Aspire Dance Academy, based at Heyford Park, has upgraded from using chairs to proper ballet barres following a donation from the development's housebuilder, Dorchester Living.

The dance school teaches Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) ballet and tap to children aged three to 16, drawing around 100 students each week from Heyford Park and surrounding villages. Lessons are held at the Heyford Park community centre on Wednesdays and the Heyford Park School Hall on Saturdays, with holiday workshops running from the Heyford Park Chapel.

Previously, students without proper barres relied on chairs during practice. The new portable barres give students a professional training aid that can be dismantled and stored between sessions.

"We are so grateful to Dorchester Living for supplying these barres," said Emma Elliot who runs Aspire Dance Academy. "I'm passionate about helping to make dance accessible to all families across the community, so keeping costs minimal is key. This donation makes a big difference to my pupils.”

Paul Silver, CEO, Dorchester Living, added: "We're delighted to have been able to help Emma and her pupils with the barres. It's wonderful to see the impact the Aspire classes have on children across the community, bringing the joy of ballet and tap to so many."

The donation reflects Dorchester Living's long-term commitment to building a thriving, inclusive community at Heyford Park.

The growing community benefit from a diverse programme of clubs and classes, ranging from sports teams, dance and theatre groups to wellbeing activities, which bring residents of all ages together and create opportunities for people to connect and stay active.

To find out more about the community initiatives at Heyford Park, please visit https://www.heyfordpark.com/community