Stockton Heath resident's JC Dance Academy celebrates 10 years

In January 2014, Jenny Butterworth, nee Corcoran, fulfilled her lifelong dream of owning her own dance school.

She had hired rooms across Appleton and Grappenhall for three years before this, but Jenny wanted a venue that she could call her own.

Jenny also wanted to provide a space where children felt safe and wanted to make her dance school feel like a family.

So JC Dance Academy was born. And it is still going strong a decade later.

Based on River Road just off Wilderspool Causeway, the academy offers all kind of dance such as ballet, tap, modern, and Zumba.

There are currently 200 students who attend classes on a weekly basis and over the last 10 years, more than 800 students have come through the doors.

For Jenny, 41, there are many highlights of her dance school’s journey so far.

“Watching the children grow in confidence and into amazing dancers is one,” she said.

“Even if they decide that dance is not going to be their future, then they have used the skills they have learned in classes to take forward in other aspects of their life.”

Another highlight is the community that Jenny has built.

“I love how all my parents and clients say it feels like a JC family which is exactly what I wanted to create,” Jenny said.

Annual dance shows and competitions are also special highlights for Jenny.

To celebrate JC Dance Academy’s 10 years in business, Jenny organised a private party at The Mulberry Tree in Stockton Heath which more than 100 people attended.

Jenny said: “Celebrating 10 years in business really does feel amazing.

“It is a lot of hard work and graft, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I couldn’t do it without my amazing staff Miss Jess and Miss Sarah and my dad Ray Corcoran who has supported me so much throughout mu journey.

“My dream as a little girl was to open my own dance school and he has helped me to make my dreams come true.”

“I’m excited for the next 10 years.”