BGT star Bessie teaches others to take centre stage

Bessie Cursons from Cosham as she was when she appeared on Britain's Got Talent in 2007

After making waves when she appeared in the first series of Britain’s Got Talent – getting to the final and ending up in second place – Bessie went on to train at the renowned Sylvia Young Theatre School in London and subsequently took leading roles in a number of productions including the film Nativity! and ITV’s My Phone Genie.

Bessie, who is now 21, has announced she is opening her own dance and theatre school in Portsmouth.

The Bessie Cursons Theatre and Dance Academy opened on Friday.

The academy is at St Nicholas Church Hall in Hilsea and offers classes on Wednesdays 4pm until 9pm, Fridays 4pm until 9pm and Saturdays 10am until 5pm.

The school is offering classes in tap, ballet, modern and includes musical theatre class as well. The academy also offers individual classes for those who compete around the country. And adult classes are also available.

Bessie said: ‘Since leaving Sylvia Young School I have done really well. I’ve had a lot of acting work which I’m really thankful for. I then went to Chichester College to get all my teaching qualifications, and I’ve been doing teaching alongside acting. I’ve always wanted to have my own dance school and I thought now is the chance.

‘It’s just me teaching the classes to begin with, but hopefully looking to expand if it goes well in the future.

‘We’re taking it step by step. We offer classes from ages two upwards to adults, we are also giving musical theatre classes for adults. We are hoping to take on as many people as possible.’

In 2013 Bessie was nominated as one of Screen Terriers Top 25 young IMDB teen actresses to watch.

Other television acting credits include a succession of BBC productions, Bessie has also has also made significant West End theatre appearances in productions including White Christmas and Oliver!.

Bessie, shortly after theatre school, went on to gain a qualification in teaching at Chichester College.

To sign up and get involved visit the academy’s website at bessiecursonsacademy.com or visit their Facebook page Bessie Cursons Theatre and Dance Academy.