A DISUSED community hall has been given a new lease of life as a dance school.
A building in North Lane, Aldershot, that was once a social hub for Royal British Legion Club former servicemen is now a place where budding dancers can polish up their cha cha chas and foxtrots.
The Diamond dance centre opened its doors for the first time on Sunday January 30, drawing large crowds as it did so.
It is a dream come true for owners Colin and Jacqui Donaldson who have spent around £70,000 on the interior of the building over the past year.
Mr Donaldson explained: “We hope to provide a social gathering area for families and the Aldershot community.
“The centre offers more than just dance classes. Our members often turn up early or stay after dancing to relax, chat and watch television in the lounge area.”
A building in North Lane, Aldershot, that was once a social hub for Royal British Legion Club former servicemen is now a place where budding dancers can polish up their cha cha chas and foxtrots.
The Diamond dance centre opened its doors for the first time on Sunday January 30, drawing large crowds as it did so.
It is a dream come true for owners Colin and Jacqui Donaldson who have spent around £70,000 on the interior of the building over the past year.
Mr Donaldson explained: “We hope to provide a social gathering area for families and the Aldershot community.
“The centre offers more than just dance classes. Our members often turn up early or stay after dancing to relax, chat and watch television in the lounge area.”
Colin & Jacqui Donaldson
“The centre offers more than just dance classes. Our members often turn up early or stay after dancing to relax, chat and watch television in the lounge area.”
Mr and Mrs Donaldson chose to expand when demand became too great for their Farnborough centre.
They offer a full range of classes, from parent and toddler tuition to adult street dance and burlesque. This diversity is one reason why the centre continues to attract different generations of dancers, sometimes from the same families.
Zumba dancing, where participants keep fit to a strong Latin American beat, has become extremely popular.
Len Lamplugh, of the Aldershot Civic Society, said it was good to see an old community building being brought back into use.
“We think it’s terrific,” he said. “That’s an old building that has been empty for a long time.
“It’s great for Aldershot and gives people a chance to learn a new activity with one of the top dance schools in the country.”
The Royal British Legion building was rebuilt after being destroyed by fire in 2006, but had remained empty until now.
Mr and Mrs Donaldson chose to expand when demand became too great for their Farnborough centre.
They offer a full range of classes, from parent and toddler tuition to adult street dance and burlesque. This diversity is one reason why the centre continues to attract different generations of dancers, sometimes from the same families.
Zumba dancing, where participants keep fit to a strong Latin American beat, has become extremely popular.
Len Lamplugh, of the Aldershot Civic Society, said it was good to see an old community building being brought back into use.
“We think it’s terrific,” he said. “That’s an old building that has been empty for a long time.
“It’s great for Aldershot and gives people a chance to learn a new activity with one of the top dance schools in the country.”
The Royal British Legion building was rebuilt after being destroyed by fire in 2006, but had remained empty until now.
Car Parking
Diamonds Studio Aldershot
It is important that you exercise parking discretion when visiting DIAMONDS for classes, lessons, or any other business.
Car parking space is very limited on the forecourt, and the area across the road may only be used after office hours. (After 5-30 PM any weekday and after 12-30 PM on Saturdays).
At no time may you use any spaces on the forecourt of UNIT 5. The owner of this unit has requested that we do not use his frontage for our parking.
We have a friendly verbal agreement with some of the other owners, and provided that they are closed for business when you arrive, you may use their facility.
May we respectfully request that parents bringing children to the MONDAY classes do not park over the road to bring their children to us? We will endeavour to keep some space on the forecourt where you can drop of and leave them in our care. Please ask for assistance from reception to escort your children in, and then you must park somewhere else along the highway and walk back to the studio. Please take a moment to research the area for alternative parking. It will mean a short walk from one of the local roads in the area.
We are sorry for any inconvenience, but we have no choice in this matter.
Diamonds Studio Aldershot
It is important that you exercise parking discretion when visiting DIAMONDS for classes, lessons, or any other business.
Car parking space is very limited on the forecourt, and the area across the road may only be used after office hours. (After 5-30 PM any weekday and after 12-30 PM on Saturdays).
At no time may you use any spaces on the forecourt of UNIT 5. The owner of this unit has requested that we do not use his frontage for our parking.
We have a friendly verbal agreement with some of the other owners, and provided that they are closed for business when you arrive, you may use their facility.
May we respectfully request that parents bringing children to the MONDAY classes do not park over the road to bring their children to us? We will endeavour to keep some space on the forecourt where you can drop of and leave them in our care. Please ask for assistance from reception to escort your children in, and then you must park somewhere else along the highway and walk back to the studio. Please take a moment to research the area for alternative parking. It will mean a short walk from one of the local roads in the area.
We are sorry for any inconvenience, but we have no choice in this matter.