Arts academy opens its doors

The Fame Academy show was filmed in London

A Fame Academy-style performing arts school in Newport had its official opening on Sunday.

Built at a converted chapel and vestry, the Burleigh Academy offers courses in dance, drama and singing to children and adults in the city.

it is going to succeed because the children of Newport need something like this

Sarah Lucas, founder

Featuring a dance studio, an auditorium and clubhouse, the academy on Llanthewy Road will launch its programme of courses on 4 January 2003.

The opening night was the realisation of a lifelong ambition for founder Sarah Lucas, who bought the derelict building last year.

"It was a dream I have always had to open an academy," said Mrs Lucas.

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"My husband said I should be certified when I bought the building - most of the rooms have not been used for 30 years," she added.

Interest in performing arts schools has been boosted recently by the BBC's Fame Academy talent show, in which 12 young people battled to win a record deal.

The programme ended on Friday night, with 24-year-old David Sneddon beating Sinead Quinn, from Northern Ireland, in a public vote.

'Supportive neighbourhood'

Mrs Lucas hopes the interest in the TV programme translates to queues of people at her centre.

Originally from London, she came to Newport on holiday 32 years ago and never went back because she immediately felt at home in the city.

She has taken a lead role in the transformation of the building, and said she had "incredible faith" in the project.

"I started off digging and carrying water - it is going to succeed because the children of Newport need something like this," she said.

David won the Fame Academy show on Friday night

Mrs Lucas said there was capacity for around 500 students across the different classes, which include ballet, tap, salsa and even jewish folk dancing.

Mrs Lucas said local people had been extremely helpful.

"At the beginning, people were naive as to what a performing arts club was, but now the neighbourhood is very supportive, and help to look after it."

"It brings tears to my eyes that people can be so kind," she said.

The launch on Sunday gave people who used to worship at the church the chance to see how it has been transformed from its derelict state.

"The architecture of the building is magnificent," she said.

And the academy is still developing.

"Next year, we are hoping to get the recording studios finished," she added.

Newport-born actress Josephine D'Arby opened the school, and the event was also marked by a performance from a Gospel choir at 1900 GMT on Sunday.