My friend and I were perhaps especially curious as a result of having just met someone the evening before who really could dance! And I, as usual, was thinking about artists and arts organizations in Cornwall.

We stood there for a few moments in front of the glass, when a man exiting the door spotted us and asked whether we were interested in dancing. We replied "yes." He turned out to be Terrance Etheridge, Artistic Director of the College. He gave us a quick overview of the classes on offer. The Professional Dance course covers a combination of Classical Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Drama and Voice Coaching. It is offered at Higher National Diploma level, and is currently awaiting formal certification from Trinity College. The Dance College of Cornwall hopes to be able to offer related academic qualifications in the future, such as A-levels. Through this course the students are encouraged to take part in professional theatrical productions across Cornwall.

Formerly housed in the Carrick Sports and Recreation Centre, Truro, the College moved permanently to the Main Post Office Building in Falmouth in September, 2003. It was the open, high-ceilinged space that was the main attraction, rather than any significant difference between Truro and Falmouth in terms of become a training centre for dancers in the South West. The College does see itself as a valuable regional resource. The location allows students to develop their talents without having to go to London. At the moment there are thirteen full time students on the Professional Dance course. The small class size allows for a great deal of individual tuition, so that at the end of the course students will have a firm idea of their strengths and weaknesses, and so a clear idea of how to proceed with work or further training.

Students on this course are being taught by some of the best in the business, including Etheridge, who has an impressive resume spanning over twenty years. Having been the Principal of the Rambert School of Ballet, the Head of Dance at the Urdang Academy in Covent Garden, a founding member of the Northern Ballet Theatre, and more. Teaching jazz is Art Fenwick, who has worked with Michael Jackson as a dancer and backing singer. David Beer, who teaches voice, is also the musical director at Fame.

In addition to the Professional Course, there are also a number of adult education courses available, no experience required. These range from Egyptian Belly Dancing to Classical Ballet. So I started my first-ever ballet lesson that very evening, age 23, with Etheridge as my teacher!