A Poole-based dance academy has won recognition in a competition which attracted entries from around the world.

Steppin’ Out Academy came third in the prestigious Dance School of Year awards, in recognition of the efforts the school made to keep lessons and competitions going in the virtual world of Zoom during the lockdown.

Steppin’ Out, now in its 29th year, also won praise for consistently high standards, with its students regularly scooping the top prizes at competitions.

Principal and owner, Angela Taylor, said,  “It’s has been an incredibly difficult year for our industry, and this award has given us all a real boost.

“We were determined that this lockdown would not stop us dancing and we kept going throughout the crisis in the virtual world.”

Steppin’ Out Academy started in a small room in Poole with just two students and grew over the years to include branches in Bournemouth, Ringwood and Sturminster Marshall.

In 2014 it opened its own purpose-built studios in Hamworthy and today has 140 students, aged two to 18.

The Academy is also well known for staging two professional-standard shows a year. The Covid-crisis caused more heartache when Steppin’ Out had to cancel both shows this year.

Determined not to let the crisis let her students down again Angela has been able to secure the Bournemouth Pavilion for one of their shows, which will be held next April instead.

“The show must definitely go on,” Angela added. “Life without the arts would be utterly soulless. Our children don’t want to be cyber security experts, they dream of being on the stage and we will do our bit to keep their dreams and theatres alive.”

From the thousands of dance schools eligible to enter, entries were received from schools of all sizes across the UK and Europe as well as Canada, USA, Bahrain, Brunei and Australia.

Schools were judged on their professionalism and business acumen as well as the personal development of all the staff. A good website was important as well as evidence of policies and procedures-especially during this pandemic year when evidence of being Covid Secure was essential.

A virtual awards ceremony was held live online via You Tube.