Worksop: Popular dance teacher Alma is awarded special lifetime achievement award

A dance teacher from Worksop has been presented with a special lifetime achievement award.
Alma Powell has been given a special Lifetime Achievement awardAlma Powell has been given a special Lifetime Achievement award
Alma Powell has been given a special Lifetime Achievement award

Mrs Alma Powell, known professionally as Miss Kirk before her retirement from the Worksop and Retford Academies of Dance, has been awarded the Valerie Harris Life Time Achievement award for her contributions to dancing.

The award was presented at her home by the United Teachers of Dance managing director, Neil Harris who thanked Alma for helping to co-found the UTD professional dancing association that now spans the World

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During more than 60 years of teaching, both stage and ballroom dancing, she taught many students on a weekly basis.

Under her guidance they were able to take examms and some students won national awards for the high standards they achieved.

Every two years, Alma produced and choreographed a pantomime giving students the chance to showcase their skills.

These events provided an enormous amount of pleasure and excitement for students and their families and friends, inspiring several generations of performers, choreographers and teachers.

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“Over the years, Alma and her students made a huge contribution to entertainment provided in our area with a high proportion of students making their mark on the West End,” said Melanie Knight from MK Dance in Barlborough, one of Alma’s former pupils.

“Alma was also a dancing examiner and festival judge, travelling around the country to offer guidance and support to young entertainers.”

Under the stewardship of the Charities Commission, the charitable arm of the Academies with Alma as chairman, Joan Brown as treasurer and Chris Knight as secretary, many thousands of pounds were donated to a wide selection of charities including the purchase of specialist medical equipment donated to local hospitals.

“Alma recently celebrated her 90th birthday and we can only say to this remarkable lady, Alma, you are a star,” added Melanie.

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