Within seconds the room becomes a showcase for the talents of these young people who use up every inch of it with their well rehearsed movements which are not just effortlessly graceful but impressively gymnastic too.

It is difficult to believe that even the most experienced of these dancers has been training and studying for just two years but it was only in 2006 that Calderdale Dance Academy opened it doors.

Now the first students are about to graduate and already the next intake of would-be dancers are signing up to become part of the Calderdale College-based academy, which in its first months has established an excellent reputation.

Its success understandably is something to be celebrated says director Peter Coenen, a former professional ballet dancer, who is quite obviously proud of the students' achievements.

Peter's career may have seen him on stage with some of the country's most prestigious dance companies, including Ballet Rambert and the Rambert Academy and at some of the world's most illustrious venues, including the revered Sadler's Wells.

But there is always room to be impressed and inspired.

"If working with these kids has taught me one thing it's that with hard work and drive, then you can achieve anything," he says.

"Some of them had never danced before and yet they have reached a standard now I would have thought impossible. I have really learned a lot myself."

The dance academy has a team of four hard-working teachers – Peter, Vicky Hynes, Emma Hindley and Elizabeth Neave.

It is unique in that it offers dance training alongside A-levels and vocational qualifications, culminating in a National Diploma in Dance.

"What's great is that students have access to professional dance teaching, both here at Calderdale College and outside too," he says, referring to the academy's link with the Dorothy Stevens School of Dance in Lightcliffe – Miss Stevens is the academy's artistic director.

"No other college offers these dance academy elements," he says.
As a result, post GCSE students from all over Calderdale – and beyond – can audition for a place which can see them studying all elements of dance, including contemporary, tap, jazz and classical ballet.

They are able to progress to degree and masters levels ultimately – some of them even following in the footsteps of those who have broken into the professional world of dance such as Peter.

"Dancers who come here can end up teaching themselves or even performing. It is down to them really how far they go," says Peter, who adds that next year the academy will be offering a degree qualification, which will be run in conjunction with Leeds Metropolitan University.

"Many of the current dancers are planning to take a gap year after graduating this time and then rejoin the academy once the degree course gets under way," he says.

In the two years since the academy was set up, word has spread and already it has built up links with professionals who have been impressed by the students' achievements.

Bode Lawal, founder of the award-winning, Newcastle-based Sakoba Dance Theatre conducted an unscheduled workshop with students in February this year and he was so impressed by their performance that he invited them to join him on stage at London's Bloomsbury Theatre for a gala performance in April.

"I was moved by their attitude and positive energy. Their teachers have prepared them with excellent technique," said Bode.

Next spring the students will join Bode on stage again in Covent Garden.

There have also been performances at the Calderdale Volunteer Oscars and during a prestigious workshop with world-renowned mime artist, Rowan Tolley, formerly of Lightcliffe.

Tonight (Thursday) the students will take part in a joint performance with dancers from Lancashire's Pendleton College and tomorrow to celebrate the end of the academic year, the dancers will take centre stage in a VIP night – both performances are at The Halifax Playhouse.

"I just love everything about coming here. It's been great," says 18-year-old Sophie Broadbent, who is about to graduate.

Joanna Dunkley, aged 17, agrees. "I had never danced before and I have learned so much. I want to go on now to do a degree and then work with a professional dance company."

Nathan Graham, aged 17, is the only boy in a class of girls but that has not deterred him from following his passion for dance.

"It's been great and, of course, someone has to look after all these girls."

Peter reveals that he has further plans and ambitions for the academy.

"I want to start a dance company so that our students can perform professionally at a number of venues. I think we have some real talent coming to us.

"I want to make the most of that.

"From the very first days of training to dancing professionally would be like completing the circle. We can do it," he says.

• Ticket details for Friday's VIP evening of dance by Calderdale Dance Academy students are available from Halifax Playhouse on 01422 365998.