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30 March, 2011 8:23 PM
Back in 1984, a casual remark was made about forming a group of young people who were interested in dance.
An innocent little idea. But out of this apparently innocuous comment was born an idea and then a concept that was to see Linda Howe form Shepshed Youth Dance.
At the time, Linda was teaching at Shepshed High School. On certain nights of the week, after school had finished, she held her “clubs”.There was “First and Second Year Dance Club” and “Third Year Dance Club”.
More importantly there was “Fourth Year Dance Club”. In those far-off days, it was this night that was the most enjoyable. Even then, it was remarkable to see how ‘easy’ the atmosphere was, and just how much everyone seemed to get out of those extra hours.
As time went on, it became obvious to teacher, students and onlookers alike that this was just not enough. Something bigger, more challenging, more ambitious was needed.
“Why not take it all down to the [Hind Leys] College? Why not run it in an evening? Why not call it “SHEPSHED YOUTH DANCE?”
Obviously it all needed to be carefully thought through. Everything needed to be considered. Detailed planning was required. All possible pitfalls examined and prevented.
The next day, Linda duplicated a few forms. The kids took them home that night and brought them back the next day. In those 12 hours, Shepshed Youth Dance was formed. There were 23 fully paid up members, signed sealed and delivered, and £11.50 in the kitty!
Later that week, the newly born group had their first meeting. They decided to pay a weekly subscription of 50p, which everyone said they would pay without fail unless of course they had fallen out with their mother that week!
More importantly, they all agreed that Thursday night, and apart for a short while, SYD has always met on a Thursday!
The first dance Linda choreographed for SYD was “Maniac” from Flash Dance. All the dancers would dance the piece together as one group - a good unifying dance. About six weeks later when they were all invited to Linda’s house, the residents of Long Whatton were somewhat surprised to see this dance being performed in the street!
With several more orthodox rehearsals, this dance, and one or two more were put together to comprise SYD’s first show, “Time to Dance”
In June of 2009, SYD celebrated their 25th Anniversary with a celebratory performance which included many returning members and several guest dance groups.
An innocent little idea. But out of this apparently innocuous comment was born an idea and then a concept that was to see Linda Howe form Shepshed Youth Dance.
At the time, Linda was teaching at Shepshed High School. On certain nights of the week, after school had finished, she held her “clubs”.There was “First and Second Year Dance Club” and “Third Year Dance Club”.
More importantly there was “Fourth Year Dance Club”. In those far-off days, it was this night that was the most enjoyable. Even then, it was remarkable to see how ‘easy’ the atmosphere was, and just how much everyone seemed to get out of those extra hours.
As time went on, it became obvious to teacher, students and onlookers alike that this was just not enough. Something bigger, more challenging, more ambitious was needed.
“Why not take it all down to the [Hind Leys] College? Why not run it in an evening? Why not call it “SHEPSHED YOUTH DANCE?”
Obviously it all needed to be carefully thought through. Everything needed to be considered. Detailed planning was required. All possible pitfalls examined and prevented.
The next day, Linda duplicated a few forms. The kids took them home that night and brought them back the next day. In those 12 hours, Shepshed Youth Dance was formed. There were 23 fully paid up members, signed sealed and delivered, and £11.50 in the kitty!
Later that week, the newly born group had their first meeting. They decided to pay a weekly subscription of 50p, which everyone said they would pay without fail unless of course they had fallen out with their mother that week!
More importantly, they all agreed that Thursday night, and apart for a short while, SYD has always met on a Thursday!
The first dance Linda choreographed for SYD was “Maniac” from Flash Dance. All the dancers would dance the piece together as one group - a good unifying dance. About six weeks later when they were all invited to Linda’s house, the residents of Long Whatton were somewhat surprised to see this dance being performed in the street!
With several more orthodox rehearsals, this dance, and one or two more were put together to comprise SYD’s first show, “Time to Dance”
In June of 2009, SYD celebrated their 25th Anniversary with a celebratory performance which included many returning members and several guest dance groups.
SHEPSHED YOUTH DANCE - A BRIEF HISTORY