A Wiltshire dance school with more than 200 pupils aims to give a boost to the Trowbridge economy with its move into the town centre.

NJ Dance has moved into new studios in one of Trowbridge’s most historic streets after outgrowing its old premises at Kestrel House in Mill Street, Trowbridge.

It has relocated into premises at the rear of the town’s former British Heart Foundation furniture and electrical store in Fore Street.

The new studios are accessed from Narrow Wine Street, a listed historic and narrow passage still paved with stone and often referred to Britain’s narrowest street.

NJDance school owner Natasha Jones surrounded with members at the opening of the new venue. Trevor Porter 77268-6NJDance school owner Natasha Jones surrounded with members at the opening of the new venue. Trevor  (Image: Trevor Porter)

Natasha Jones, who launched NJ Dance in 2018 with six pupils at Hilperton Village Hall, says they had outgrown their previous studios.

She said: “I am incredibly happy and really looking forward to our future and being able to enjoy having our dance classes and being creative in a nice open space.

“I have signed a lease for seven years. This is a permanent home for us. I don’t want to move again.”

NJDance believes the move will give a boost to the economy of Trowbridge by bringing more than 200 children and their families into the town centre each week.

“It will create valuable footfall for town centre shops that otherwise wouldn’t be there,” said Natasha’s partner Craig Hallett.

The move has been funded by a £18,000 grant from Wiltshire Council’s £16.3 million Future High Street Fund for Trowbridge.

Kez Garner, chair of Trowbridge Chamber of Commerce provided advice on the move into the vacant commercial space.

Chloe Johnson cuts the tape to officially open the NJDance studios amid a shower of confetti. Trevor Porter 77268-5Chloe Johnson cuts the tape to officially open the NJDance studios amid a shower of confetti.  (Image: Trevor Porter)

Natasha’s dance partner, Chloe Johnson cut a ribbon to open the new studios on Saturday, August 3.

Mr Hallett added: “We will be spending the rest of August putting finishing touches in place ready for regular lessons starting back mid-September.”

The school will use the studios for summer holiday sessions, as well as rehearsals ahead of NJDance taking 50 dancers to Alton Towers in October.

The school is also making final preparations ahead of auditions in September for a performance at Disneyland Paris in April 2025.

NJDance recently held its 4th annual end-of-year ‘Best Day Ever’ show, which sold out the Trowbridge Civic Centre with family and friends coming to watch performers over two days.

NJDance also intends to revive its ‘NJDANCE goes Crackers at Christmas’ event at Hilperton Village Hall with arts and crafts for children, albeit in a slightly different guise.