Barrow dance academy gets ready for 20th anniversary

The Deemon Performance Academy, found on Bank Lane, first opened its doors back in 2005, though Deemon's story stretches back several years earlier.

The company was originally established in 1998, producing a range of charity for local, national and international organisations.

Students of the academy pictured in 2018 (Image: BODS)

The academy itself was brought to life by Emma McMillan seven years later, and has continued to put charitable causes - as well as promoting local talent - at the heart of its ethos.

She said: "Over the years, I have been nothing less than overwhelmed by the level of talent we have in the north west in dancers, singers and actors.

"In 2005, I felt it was high time I used my experience and that of my extremely talented staff to form a school of excellence for young people to be able to develop their skills in a professional environment."

Deemon students have been getting involved with local shows for nearly two decades (Image: BODS)

Recently, Emma and her pupils put on a staged cabaret evening at The Forum, which was attended by 250 people and raised £2,418 for St Mary's Hospice of Ulverston in the process.

The event was also designed to remember Steven Davis, a past member of the group whose daughter Lauren is currently studying at the academy.

The academy has been promoting local talent for years (Image: BODS)

And, as the group enters 2025 with anniversary celebrations in place, they will be using the next months to continue their partnership with the hospice, naming St Mary's as their charity of the year.

A spokesperson from the charity shared their gratitude for the ongoing support, saying: "This is incredibly kind of them - they are all absolute superstars in our eyes."

If you would like to find out more about the academy, their shows or their fundraising exploits, then you can visit their website or contact 01229 830195.