Business, Personalities, Wimborne | Posted on July 11th, 2025 | return to news

Harry Redknapp attends grand opening of new Wimborne dance studios

Local legend Harry Redknapp cut the ribbon to mark the official opening of the new Footlight Performance Academy studios at Riverside Park, Wimborne.

Local football legend Harry Redknapp made a special visit to Wimborne to mark the opening of the new Footlight Performance Academy studios at Riverside Park.

The long-established performing arts school held the official opening ceremony on Monday 21 April. Redknapp cut the ribbon and welcomed students and families to the academy’s new facilities.

Footlight Performance Academy was founded in 1987 and has provided high-quality dance and musical theatre training for children aged two to 18 for nearly four decades. The new premises feature three bespoke studios, each fully equipped with sprung flooring and mirrored walls, designed to enhance training and support student development in a safe and inspiring environment.

Principal Leanne Dade expressed her joy and gratitude following the opening. She said: “We are absolutely thrilled with our new home, it’s perfect.

“I’m eternally grateful to my incredible friends and family who supported me through the renovation process. Along with some amazing parents from the school who helped build our special home. It’s a dream come true to have our own purpose-built space where we can continue to grow and inspire.”

With the increased space, the academy now offers a new musical theatre class as well as adult tap, ballet and dance fitness classes, offering opportunities to dancers of all ages.

For more information on classes and enrolment, visit the Footlight Performance Academy website or follow @footlightperformanceacademy on Facebook and Instagram.