History of Star Struck

Star Struck was founded in 1997 by (myself) Beverley Drain and Laura Cansdale for the nationally recognized Trident Gold Award, both of us were aged 15. It was designed to run for twelve weeks with a showcase at the end. This was done for free with the kind permission and loan of the hall at the Salvation Army in Rayleigh, Essex.  Despite being a bit rough around the edges it proved a huge success and within weeks of it closing we were asked to organize another event. It was during this second dance show that it was decided to make it a permanent venture. It is from these small beginnings that we began to flourish. Laura however, sadly left us to pursue a law career and we were joined a few months later by Alice Malcolm.
Alice proved to be a very popular teacher and an asset to Star Struck. She initiated many ideas within the club and it was with Alice’s help that we first put on a show at the Eastwood Studio Theatre. Alice unfortunately left us shortly after this feat to go to university; she is now a successful Television Producer having worked for Al Jazeera.

Freya Harrison then joined Star Struck. Freya was with us for approximately 4 years and really proved her worth. Together we organized shows, Festival events and a workshop with the cast of ‘Fame’ in London’s West End.

 Over the years our staff base has grown and we have expanded and are offering new classes at our new venue, the MegaCentre in Rayleigh.  We have also inherited a dance school in Rochford that is running successfully under the care of Laurelle Gallimore at St Teresa’s Hall.  All of our teachers, who vary in experience and style, can be found on our teachers page.