Lancaster gymnastics school benefits from TV star

New students (Alicia and Jenny Bowyer) at the Acrobatics Arts Class with teacher Miss Gail Johnstone.

The team at Turning Point Theatre Arts at Lancaster Leisure Park have kitted out their studio with aerial hoops, silks and crash mats to create a space that’s perfectly designed for wannabe acrobats and aerial artists.

Gail Johnstone, Holly’s aunty who’s been at the helm of the school for 30 years, is thrilled to now be offering the latest exciting new class to children and young adults in Lancaster as her school is one of only a few in the country to offer the new ‘Acrobatic Arts’ class.

Complementing the principles of gymnastics, the class helps those with a keen interest in either dance, aerial or acrobatics improve their skills and technique.

Designed with the dancer – and not the gymnast – in mind, this class adds another level of movement into a dancer’s vocabulary, as well as helping them to become a more versatile performer.

A mix of disciplines, Gail says the class “makes dancing more artistic in a sporting way, but makes gymnastics more choreographed in a dance way.”

This genre was introduced to the school by former pupil and professional artiste, Holly Johnstone whose partnership with “H” from Steps secured her a place in the finals of the BBC’s “Tumble” two years ago.

Since then she has performed all over the world, but still finds time to come back to the school she loves.

Budding acrobats are in for a treat as Holly still  teaches at the school when she’s not touring.

The team also includes acclaimed dancer and trapeze artist Phillip Pye, so Gail’s pupils are in very safe hands.

Gail, who set up the school in 1984, said: “The children recognise Holly from the television and are delighted to be taught by her when she’s back.

“Holly is a true inspiration who proves that if you’re passionate about something, and work hard, anything is possible in life.”

Classes take place at Turning Point Theatre Arts four nights a week – on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

For more about Turning Point Theatre Arts and their new acrobatics and aerial class, go to the website at www.turningpointtheatrearts.co.uk.