Havant and Waterlooville dancers put on a virtual show after cancelled Kings Theatre performance

Students from Gemsdance School were due to perform in their 10th anniversary show at the Kings Theatre in May, but when this was cancelled they decided to put on a show which suited life in lockdown.

Lessons have been taking place online since March 21, and the 200 students of Gemsdance have taken the change in their stride and kept up with rehearsals as much as possible.

Gemma Williams, who set up the school 11 years ago, said: ‘We got straight into it because we did have the show coming up - it’s the best we can do and it’s been really good.

‘The kids have been amazing, they deserve a round of applause for keeping going. They have all been absolutely excellent, still coming into class and still enjoying it.’

After many hours on iMovie, Gemma managed to pull together the finished virtual show, which featured a variety of songs from across genres, with Gemma herself even taking part in a dance to The Greatest Show, from The Greatest Showman.

On the final product, Waterlooville resident Gemma said: ‘I was pleased after the hours of work doing the online classes. It’s kind of been a whirlwind, seeing it made me really proud.’

As well as online lessons replacing the ones usually held at South Downs College, Havant Academy and Westbrook Hall, the students aged three to 18 have been enjoying taking part in challenges such as teaching a non-dancer family member a few moves.

Professional dancer Gemma set up Gemsdance School after a career dancing at Disneyland, and the mum-of-two has special assistance from keen dancer daughters Evie, nine, and six-year-old Lola who help out with the lessons as much as they can.

‘I wanted to give other people in this area the opportunity that I had,’ she said.

‘It feels amazing to know that we have come this far and that it's built from the first class I did with four or five people to now 200 students. It feels good to do something in the community.’

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