A performing arts school that has been teaching for more than half a century has been forced to find a new home.

Funky Feet has taught dance and performing arts to children in Loddon and Chedgrave for more than 50 years, and currently teaches 120 students. 

The school first moved from The Hollies in the High Street, Loddon, to the industrial estate in Langley Road, Chedgrave in 2018.

But now, the school has to find another home as developers seek to demolish the industrial estate to build a 75-bed care home and eight new houses.

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Funky Feet has been at the Trading Estate in Chedgrave since 2018Funky Feet has been at the estate in Chedgrave since 2018 (Image: Vicky Codling)

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Vicky Codling, director and owner of Funky Feet, said: “It’s had a massive impact on us.”

“It was a bit of a shock and took us quite hard.”

The school teaches various classes including ballet, modern, tap, musical theatre, singing, and drama for three-year-olds to adults.

Ms Codling expressed her love for the studio at the industrial estate. 

She said: “We made it our home.

“It has been amazing and we have been able to offer so much more to the local community.”

Ballet dancers with Funky Feet School of Dance and Performing ArtsBallet dancers with Funky Feet School of Dance and Performing Arts (Image: Vicky Codling)

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Funky Feet also offers apprenticeships and work experiences to students in schools around the area.

But the school has found a new place to continue its teaching at Langley School from January onwards. 

Ms Codling said: “They have saved us.”

“We are really grateful for the opportunity to use the space.”

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Students often take part in the Loddon Pantos and other local performances, as well as dance competitions.Students often take part in Loddon pantos and other local performances, as well as dance competitions. (Image: Vicky Codling)

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However, she added: “The cost impact of us moving will be massive.

“We need to raise more funds to make it the venue the children need.”

She said: "We will be looking at around £10,000 just to lay new flooring appropriate to dance on."

Students of the school are hoping to take part in fundraising, while Ms Codling says she is looking into applying for grants and has a Justgiving page to help with the extra costs. 

The school was called Joan Gisborne School of Dance and Performing Arts and was run by Joan Gisborne for 30 years. 

Vicky Codling took over in 2009 and in 2010, the school was renamed to Funky Feet School of Dance and Performing Arts.