Fundraising campaign launched to help save Banbury area dance school

Fiona Costello and her two daughters have enjoyed classes at the dance school for several years.

Several supporters of the dance school, including Fiona, have come together to help look for a new home for the dance school due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

She said: "Myself and my daughters attend Danielle Buick dance school, which was based in Middleton Cheney. It was hit so hard during Covid and just when we thought things were getting back to normal we have lost our premises due to them being unsafe.

"Danielle has amazingly found new premises within 24 hours, but they are only temporary. We would love to find somewhere permanent to call home so are beginning fundraising."

They have raised £265 towards their £10,000 goal. Anyone who would like to contribute to the campaign to save the dance school can use the following Just Giving page web link: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/dbataDanielle Buick Academy of Theatre Arts is a dance school in Oxfordshire, which was established in February 2012 starting off with just 12 students. Over the course of just under nine years the school has grown to more than 170 students and five teachers. It's described as more than just a dance school.

Fiona added: "I'm just one of the many parents trying to help out. It’s so important to me because the dance school isn’t just about learning to dance.

"It’s a home, a family and it’s a place to go to forget all your troubles. My eldest daughter suffers hugely from anxiety and struggles to understand her emotions. When she goes to dance all that goes away, she feels safe and happy."

As a dance school they will be completing a 24 hour danceathon over the Christmas holidays to help raise money for their permanent home.