Dance school where children flourish and shine is top of the class

She’s more than mastered the art of dance.

And her skills have earned her and her dance school – Velocity Dance – our latest Best of 2024 award – Warrington’s Best for Kids – and Stacey hasn’t stopped smiling since she heard the news.

In April, we launched our Best of 2024 competition and we’ve given out 12 awards.

• Best for Hair - Kate Lucy Hair Studio
• Best for Pies - Tomlins Bakehouse
• Best for Nails - By Maisie Beck
• Best for Roast Dinner - The Blue Bell
• Best for Cocktails - Dead Eyes
• Best for Breakfast - The Blue Bell
• Best for Fish and Chips - Plaice Station
• Best Beer Garden - The Ferry Tavern
• Best for Fitness – Tommy O’Connor
• Best for Tattoos – Sam Small Ink
• Best Independent Shop or Business – Manic Minors Toystore
• Best for Dessert – White Lace Bakery

Voting for Warrington’s Best for Pets is currently taking place and we’re also looking for nominations in our latest search - Best for Beauty.

Vote for Warrington’s Best for Pets 2024

Nominate your favourite for Warrington’s Best for Beauty 2024

Twelve kids’ classes and groups in Warrington made the shortlist for the latest Best of 2024 award and Velocity Dance has taken this year’s coveted crown.

Stacey Atkinson opened Velocity Dance 22 years ago in 2002 - Velocity Dance is the private dance school and Velocity Community Dance CIC is the charitable branch of the business.

Its base is Unit 1, Aston Court on Kingsland Grange in Woolston after Stacey started out delivering classes at a primary school, King’s Leadership Academy and a church before purchasing the current building in 2018.

Stacey Atkinson, who opened Velocity Dance in 2002

Stacey, who is 44 and was born and raised in Woolson, said: “Velocity serves as a hub for individuals of all ages and abilities to enhance their dancing skills across a range of styles, catering to children, young people, and older individuals alike.

“Through our programs, we aim to not only improve technical proficiency but also foster self-assurance, interpersonal abilities, and overall physical and mental health.

“Our focus extends beyond mere dance teaching; we strive to cultivate a supportive environment where children can flourish in both their technical abilities and stage presence.

“By nurturing their talents and providing opportunities for growth, we aim to instil a lifelong love for dance and a solid foundation for personal development.”

Stacey grew up in Warrington passionate about dance and it was her dream to one day establish her own dance school and hold dance classes for children and young people.

Stacey said: “Back then, I felt that the opportunities and resources available to me in the field were limited, with only ballet, tap and modern dance classes being accessible with once yearly dance performances.

“I aimed to address this gap by introducing new and upcoming styles of dance and performance, providing a wider range of opportunities for the younger generation in the community.

“I also wanted to make dance more inclusive and accessible for everyone in the town.”

Dancers compete in events across the UK

Stacey has a degree in community dance and a master’s degree in dance practices both from Liverpool John Moores University (LMJU).

She was trained at Laban in London – a professional dance conservatoire, where she worked as an education and community dance worker.

For the past 15 years, she has been serving as a dance specialist, lecturing on dance degree courses in the north west at Edge Hill University, Salford University and LJMU.

Stacey said: “My expertise in the field has allowed me to contribute to the education and training of aspiring dancers in the region.

“I am commissioned as an independent artist to lead various arts projects, encompassing both performance-based choreography and community-related initiatives locally, regionally, and nationally.

“Through this work, I have been able to provide my Velocity dancers with numerous enriching projects and opportunities for further growth and development.

“Dance is not just a passion, but also my strength and skill set.

“I understand the significance of dance and the arts and the positive impact they can have on individuals and communities alike.

“Working with children and young people is something I truly enjoy, as I can share my expertise with them, inspire them, and witness their growth as they reach their aspirations.

“The joy of seeing the smiles, success, and accomplishments of these young individuals is truly the most gratifying reward for me, as it reinforces my belief in the power of dance and the arts in shaping a brighter future for the next generation.”

Velocity Dance has two shows and performances a year

Velocity Dance has regular weekly classes and two annual shows with youngsters entering competitions across the UK.

There is a range of different age-related classes from aged two up to adult covering contemporary dance, ballet and tap as well as jazz, musical theatre and street dance with acro dance and stage school.

The classes at Velocity are designed to be inclusive, enjoyable and supportive, aiming to bring out the strengths of each child and allowing them all to shine in their own unique way.

Where Stacey feels Velocity Dance differs from others in the same field is the involvement in the wider community.

Stacey said: “We actively support local schools, community events and charities.

“Recently, we supported Padgate Walking Day and we are currently backing St Rocco’s with a dedicated team for The Full Monty.

“We also organise various fundraising activities at Velocity to provide our dancers with diverse opportunities and give back to the community.

“In addition to our community engagement, we took our children to Woolston residential homes for intergenerational dance and storytelling workshops with the residents.

“We also collaborate with WBC to deliver the HAF programme, providing government-funded places for children on free school meals.

“Our connections with local colleges and universities offer valuable opportunities for our youth dancers, such as attending Salford University for a taste of the dance degree program and hosting Warrington Collegiate on industry placements.

“Furthermore, we are preparing to take a team of our dancers to perform at Disneyland, Paris in October.

“Our school is dedicated to providing a wide range of opportunities for children and young people to enhance their confidence, artistic experiences, and understanding of the arts.

“We actively participate in various dance programs and events, recognising the valuable life skills, dance expertise, and lasting memories they offer our students.

“Rehearsing and performing in a variety of venues including theatres, community spaces, and outdoor settings, we showcase a diverse range of movement styles. Collaborating with arts organizations such as Culture Warrington, Warrington Youth Zone and Arts Council England, our school has been deeply involved in the community and arts scene for more than two decades, with a multitude of successful projects and initiatives.”

Team Velocity

What do families and customers think of Velocity Dance? Why did they want them to win our latest Best of 2024 award?

One regular said: “My girls love the classes and have gained so much confidence.

“Velocity Dance has given them some amazing opportunities.”

Stacey said: “The foundation of our success lies in the strong community I have cultivated over time.

“Our dedicated teaching team shares the same passion for the school as I do, creating a welcoming and supportive environment for both students and parents.

“This is evident in the continued enrolment of new students, including the children of our former dancers and the fact that past Velocity students are now qualified teachers at the school, highlighting the lasting impact of Velocity's teaching approach and the high calibre of dancers we nurture.

“Receiving a drawing, letter, or verbal affirmation from a child or young person expressing their appreciation for the teaching they have received, and their enjoyment of dance is the ultimate validation of success as a teacher.

“It signifies that we are making a positive impact in their lives and fostering a love for learning and creativity.”

When Stacey heard she’d made the final shortlist for Warrington’s Best for Kids 2024 she was surprised but delighted and thrilled to be listed alongside some engaging children’s activities and classes in Warrington.

Stacey said: When I was told that we’d won, I felt elated and moved - I found myself unable to wipe the smile off my face!

“I was filled with pride for the school and the amazing support system I have at Velocity Dance.

“It’s truly gratifying to receive acknowledgement after dedicating over two decades to serving the Warrington community.

“Working independently means no appraisals or performance reviews, so I consider this recognition as my own personal appraisal!

“I am incredibly fortunate to have an amazing dance family, colleagues, and community who consistently support me and my creative endeavours.

“I am truly grateful for all the votes and support I have received.

“Thank you from the depths of my heart to everyone who has shown their support.”