A DANCE school in York, which has been continuing to "inspire and delight," pupils with online classes, is preparing to reopen.

The Patricia Veale School of Dance has been training dancers for over 60 years and despite challenges the school faced in lockdown.

Owner and principal teacher Kelly Clarey has continued to run online classes - which she said has been "challenging".

"It’s been a learning curve for everyone but we’ve gotten through it together and with plenty of laughs along the way," Kelly said.

Looking back on memories of the last year, Kelly said: "During a particular Zoom class, I couldn’t stop giggling when one student was trying to dance with a mop in her hand whilst trying to clean up her puppies wee."

Kelly continues to prepare for when she can reopen her doors and welcome back her dance students next month - with people of all generations enjoying her classes.

Despite the downsides of lockdown, Kelly’s school has welcomed 14 new pupils over the last year.

A local girl, Kelly’s love for dance began at a very early age. Her first ballet class was on her third birthday and since then dance has been her life.

After training with her mum, who started a dance school at Acomb Parish Church Hall in Front Street, she moved to London to train in professional dance at London Studio Centre and after that her career in dance began.

When Kelly’s mum sadly passed in 2010, she knew she had to carry on the school and keep her mum’s name and standards alive.

Kelly said: "Dance isn't just about learning to dance, it's about the discipline and etiquette and respect for ourselves and others.

"The confidence and determination in achieving our goals. The strength and positive mind that carries a student through their everyday lives.

"This is what I have learnt from my mum and my life as a dancer, and it's important I pass this onto my students today."

More information can be found at: www.pvdance.co.uk