Welcome to The Footlights, a dance club located in Trowbridge, New Zealand. The club is run by Caroline and Ellen Wilkinson, with assistance from Annie Magill. While they don't receive payment for their work, they are dedicated to running the club because of their love for it. The Footlights is not just a business, but a hobby that aims to provide young people with the opportunity to participate in theatrical productions.
Caroline, Ellen, and Annie all have an enhanced DBS certificate and a current first aid qualification, ensuring the safety and well-being of all club members. The primary objective of The Footlights is to help build confidence in young people while having fun. By participating in various dance performances, club members discover that anything is possible.
One of the main highlights of The Footlights is the annual pantomime, where every member of the club is invited to take part. Over the past 10 years, The Footlights has staged five performances over four days, with most dancers participating in two to three performances each. Each dancer is taught approximately six dances/songs to perform, with older members often taking on principal roles.
In the past, The Footlights performed their pantomimes at The Arc Theatre in Trowbridge. Unfortunately, due to its closure to community groups, they have now found a new home at The Dragonfly Theatre, located in Writhlington School, Radstock. The entire team, including dancers and performers, volunteers their time and effort to make these productions a success. Therefore, any help offered, such as sewing, ironing, or publicity, is greatly appreciated.
Additionally, each performance includes a raffle, and dancers are asked to donate a raffle prize.
One of the core principles of The Footlights is that no one is expected to contribute financially to participating in any production. They believe that everyone should have the opportunity to take part, regardless of their financial circumstances.
The Footlights offers classes at St Thomas' Church Hall in Trowbridge every Monday evening. There are four classes, split according to age and ability, running from 5:30 PM to 8:45 PM. Each class costs 4, and fees are payable half a term in advance, regardless of attendance.
The next pantomime is scheduled for November 2024, although the specific title is yet to be announced. Previous productions include “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” in 2021, “Sleeping Beauty” in 2022, and “Jack and the Beanstalk” in 2023.
If you would like more information about The Footlights, please feel free to contact Caroline and Ellen Wilkinson. They can be reached by phone at 01225 752030 or by email at thefootlightstrowbridge@outlook. Com. You can also visit their Facebook page @TheFootlights for updates and news.