The Audrey Spencer Dance School has long been a fixture of the Huddersfield dance training scene.

In fact it was 66 years ago when the school, now based in Queen Street, Huddersfield, was founded by Miss Audrey Spencer.

And she was in the audience at the Lawrence Batley Theatre to see the latest generation of her proteges shine in the school’s exhilarating show Dancing Stars.

Due to its popularity, current principal Joanne Perkins has found that many past dancers are returning with their next generation, and in some cases, third generation.

Miss Perkins said: “The school really has been a family affair over the years, with Miss Spencer’s own daughter Samantha Armitage training at the school followed by her nephew Andrew Spencer.”

Samantha enjoyed a long and successful professional career in showbusiness.

Audrey Spencer (left) and pupils at Greenhead. Taken in August 1962.

Since retiring as principal, Miss Spencer has continued to take a very keen interest in the school and its current pupils, some of whom have parents and grandparents whom she trained.

For example, Joanne Perkins was trained by Miss Spencer from the age of five through to her adult years.

Joanne said: “It is wonderful to see the next generation, and in some cases the third generation, of young people training at the school.

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“It is testament to the outstanding dance training that Miss Spencer produced over the years.

“I am pleased to say that these high standards have continued and our children experience the same joy and love of dancing as we did.”

Joanne added: “My own daughter Abi was a pupil and has since gone on to help run our drama class and is due to embark on a drama degree in London this September.”

Dancers from the Audrey Spencer School show off their prizes. From left are Nicola Stead, Alexia Vaughan, Louise Smith, Trudie Driscoll, Claire Vaughan, Amber Driscoll, Stephanie Helliwell and Julian Cannonier. 4th June 1986.

Many past pupils went on to have successful dancing careers.

One such pupil was Amber Swift who went to train at Phil Winston’s Danceworks in Blackpool.

Amber’s own daughter Kaitlyn is now trained by Joanne and is enjoying success in many dance competitions up and down the country.

Joanne added: “We currently have around 10 parents/grandparents who were taught by Miss Spencer and it’s so lovely to have their sons, daughters and grandchildren with us at the school.”