July 2026

Huge thank you to Malton and Norton District Lions Club for the wonderful donation of £600 towards our new music editing computer. We are truly delighted and appreciative, as this will indeed be put into good use on a daily basis.

Photo of some of our seniors who were training at KH tonight and went along with permission to accept the cheque with Miss Angela.

💜 What a wonderful evening! 💜

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who gave their time and support at our Junior Photo Call & Dress Rehearsal as we prepare for Showcase 2026 on 18th & 19th July.

To our amazing parents and carers, thank you for having costumes organised and ready. Your support behind the scenes is invaluable and helps everything run so smoothly.

To our fabulous juniors and intermediates , you should all be incredibly proud of yourselves. Your enthusiasm, professionalism and hard work shone through from start to finish.

A huge thank you to our wonderful senior volunteers for giving up their time to encourage and support our younger performers. A very special thank you to Hattie for so kindly stepping in to take her mum's place as our official photographer – Hatties photographs will be shared at a later date.

And finally, to Miss Angela, Miss Kyla and Miss Joanne for the opportunities created for our children and young people. Remember next week is the senior dress rehearsal/ photo call.

An evening like this reminds us just how lucky we are to have such amazing families and volunteers.

Now the countdown to Showcase ‘26 is well and truly on! If you haven't booked your tickets yet, don't leave it too long. Our performers have been working so hard, and we'd love to see a full audience cheering them on. We can't wait to share another unforgettable weekend with you all soon. 💜✨

Video 2 of who we are , thanks to visit Malton filmed during one of our Golden Gliders sessions. During Miss Angela’s interview the ladies were left to their own devices in the background. Now Miss Angela can see what they got up to behind her back 🤣

The excitement is building! ✨📸

There's something so special about Junior Photo Call and Dress Rehearsal. The smiles, the laughter, the friendships, the last-minute costume checks, helping each other with hair, the excitement and the pride on everyone's faces... it's all part of the magic that makes Showcase so memorable.

These moments are about so much more than taking photographs. They capture the teamwork, confidence, kindness and joy that our KH family shares before the curtain even rises.

A huge thank you to Hattie for stepping in with her wonderfully creative eye to capture these ‘behind-the-scenes’ moments for us. Here is the first set of photos, giving you a little glimpse of all the fun and excitement that goes into preparing for Showcase 2026!

We can't wait to share more with you over the coming days. 💖✨

Behind every magical performance is a story that the audience never sees... ✨

Tonight, that story was one of courage, resilience and extraordinary commitment.

Our senior performers, together with our younger dancers who proudly share the stage with them, took part in our annual Photo Call and Dress Rehearsal. The studios were incredibly hot – the kind of heat that drains your energy before you've even begun. Yet, despite the challenging conditions, these wonderful young people simply got on with the job.

They danced. They sang. They smiled. They encouraged one another. They listened, learned, adapted and never gave up.

There were tired faces, aching feet and plenty of flushed cheeks, but there was also laughter, friendship and an overwhelming determination to make every moment count. That is what makes performers so special. They understand that success isn't just about talent – it's about dedication, discipline and having the heart to keep going when things become difficult.

As teachers, we couldn't be prouder. Watching them support each other and refuse to let the heat get the better of them reminded us exactly why we do what we do.

Next weekend, our audiences will see the sparkle, the costumes, the lights and the smiles. What they won't see are evenings like this one, where every dance is rehearsed, every entrance perfected , quick changes practiced and every performer digs that little bit deeper to give their very best.

To every one of our incredible young people... you really do deserve a medal. 🏅

Thank you for reminding us that the Kirkham Henry family isn't just built on dance and performance. It's built on kindness, resilience, friendship and an unwavering commitment to one another.

The magic is nearly ready... and we can't wait to share it with you all at Showcase '26. ❤️

From Tiny Tots to the Professional Stage... Where Potential Becomes Possibility.

Since 1989, Kirkham Henry Performing Arts has been dedicated to providing outstanding dance and performing arts training in a nurturing, inclusive environment.

Whether your ambition is a career in the performing arts or simply to dance for the joy of it, the choice is yours. Every student receives the same exceptional tuition, expert guidance and encouragement to become the very best version of themselves.

We are incredibly proud that ever so many of our students have progressed into professional careers in dance, musical theatre and the performing arts. They achieved their dreams because they were given the opportunity, the choice and the highest standard of training from experienced, passionate teachers.

At KH, success isn't measured only by the professional stage. It's measured by confidence gained, friendships made, skills developed and a lifelong love of dance.

Professional pathway or purely recreational... your journey starts here. Excellence begins with the very first step.

🌟 Registration is NOW OPEN for our September 2026 intake! 🌟

We welcome Tiny Tots, children, teenagers and adults of all abilities. Whether you're taking your very first dance class or working towards professional aspirations, there's a place for you at Kirkham Henry.

Established 1989. Inspiring generations. Creating opportunities. Building futures.

Kirkham Henry Performing Arts�Where potential becomes possibility.

Come along to Showcase ‘26 and see for yourself.

What a lovely evening with some of our Community adult dancers. We had a culmination of Golden Gliders, Happy Tappers, ConfiDance, White swans & Silver swans. Such a nice chance to get together at the end of term. Meeting and greeting each other from different classes and even finding long lost friends. Thank you to the Talbot hotel for your hospitality.

Thanks Karen for the article in the Gazette and Herald - One more sleep !

SHOWCASE '26... THIS IS KH. ✨

What an incredible weekend. ❤️

To everyone who took part in Showcase '26, from our tiniest performers to our adult dancers, singers, musicians, teachers, volunteers, chaperones, backstage crew and families... thank you, and huge congratulations!

Behind every performance are months of rehearsals, determination, aching muscles, costume changes, laughter, a few tears, and more than a little sweat. Yet somehow, when those curtains open, all of that hard work transforms into pure magic.

This video captures everything that Kirkham Henry is about.

Our fabulous Golden Gliders and ConfiDANCE dancers are on stage having the time of their lives to Better When I'm Dancing, while in the wings something equally special is happening. Our senior dancers and our youngest performers can't help but have a little boogie along too, sharing smiles and enjoying every second together.

Then... the cue comes.

In an instant, the giggles disappear, backs straighten, little hands find first position, and every one of them transforms into the beautiful ballerinas ready to perform The Greatest Love of All.

That moment says everything.

It isn't just about dance steps. It's about discipline, respect, teamwork, joy and belonging.

It shows the generations that make up KH. From our youngest dancers taking their very first steps on stage, to our incredible adults proving that the love of dance never fades. Every age. Every ability. Every person valued. One KH family.

The audience sees the sparkle under the lights. We see the journey that got them there.

The confidence that has grown.

The friendships that have blossomed.

The resilience built through hard work.

The encouragement given from one generation to the next.

This is what makes KH so special.

At Kirkham Henry, we don't just teach dance. We build confidence, create opportunities, inspire dreams and bring generations together through a shared love of dancing and performing Arts.

Thank you to every single person who helped make Showcase '26 such an unforgettable celebration. You should all be incredibly proud.

Here's to the memories we've made, the magic we've shared, and the family we've built together.

Because at KH, the greatest performance isn't what happens on the stage... it's the community we create behind the curtain. 💙

✨ Relive the magic of Showcase '26! ✨

Take a look at this special taster video from MACMILLAN films and enjoy a glimpse of the incredible talent, energy and unforgettable moments that made this year's Showcase so special. ❤️

If you haven’t already requested a digital link and you'd love to watch the full performances again, read on.

Showcase '26 Digital Video

We're delighted to be able to offer a digital link to our Showcase '26 performances, giving you the chance to relive all those special moments whenever you like.

The cost is £15 for the digital link.

The production cost charged by our videographer is £14, with the remaining £1 helping to support Kirkham Henry Performing Arts registered charity, and the work we do within our community.

If anyone would like to make an additional voluntary donation, no matter how small, it would be hugely appreciated. Every penny helps us continue to provide opportunities for children, young people and our community groups, as well as supporting our ongoing charitable work.

If you are able to add an extra voluntary donation of £5, £10 or any amount, it would make a tremendous difference to Kirkham Henry Performing Arts.

Your support, whether through purchasing the digital link or making an additional donation, is truly appreciated and helps ensure KH can continue inspiring and changing lives through the performing arts.

Thank you, as always, for your incredible support. ❤️

The Kirkham Henry Awards - At KH, we believe that every single student is a winner. Every dancer, singer and performer who steps into the studio shows courage, commitment and a willingness to learn, and that is something to celebrate.

Alongside this, our KH Awards recognise those who have gone the extra mile throughout the year. They are not simply about talent or ability, but about qualities such as kindness, perseverance, teamwork, resilience, dedication, progress and inspiring others. We hope these awards encourage our students to continue striving to be the very best version of themselves—both on and off the stage.

Gymnastic dance - Myla Tite

Senior drama exam work - Alexander Summers

Drama Class work - Florence Rooney

Junior progress- Katie Dale & Beatrix Lombaert

Rebecca Henry Senior progress award - Phoebe Milburn

Singing progress- Esme Pulling

Jennie Henry junior singing award- Blossom Bicknell

John Raine Senior Singing award- Evelyn and Lilian Plowright

Freda Hammond Senior musicality award-

Alexa Bartleson - piano

Junior Tap - Hannah Dryburgh

Ali Kirkham senior tap award -Bel Davis

Ron Hammond Junior musicality award - To the little ballerina’s who performed in The Greatest love of all in Showcase.

Sarah Richardson Modern Dance progress award - Annie Davis & Poppy Greenley

Hayley Liversage Modern Dance award -Gina Tubbs

Samantha Raine Junior ballet award - Molly Finlinson

Senior ballet award - Evie Patterson

Junior exam for highest mark of 90 Mia Mackinder

Senior exam highest mark award of 93 for Advanced 2 Ballet -Steph Rastenis

Jacquie Ashworth improvement in Performance-Lillian Tite

Molly & Peter Kirkham Boys award -Daniel Hill

Hard working- Mollie Gee

Nicola Gledhill teaching assistant award Tilly Dawson & Sophie Kemp

Sophie Roger Contemporary dance award- Steph Rastenis

Pippa Raine overall performing Arts award - Evie-Mae Dale

Stephanie Williams award for perseverance-Nancy Fearnly & Lucy Smithson

Lydia Purcell creativity award- Bea Stanard

June Veysey dedication award- Emma Jackson

Diane Shipley loyalty and contribution- Hattie White & Evie Taylor

Personal achievement- Imogen Pearson

At Kirkham Henry, our annual awards are about so much more than trophies. Each one tells a story, carrying the names of talented young people who have inspired us over many years. Looking back through those engraved names is like taking a journey through KH history.

When a trophy becomes full and there is simply no room left for another name, it's time to begin a brand new chapter. This year Miss Angela bought and donated a new trophy to replace her eldest daughter Pip’s trophy that she originally presented when she went away to Laine Theatre Arts at the age of 16. The Pippa Raine overall performing Arts Award which is presented to an outstanding student who excels across all three disciplines – Dance, Drama and Singing.

Pippa began her performing arts journey at KH before enjoying an incredible career in musical theatre. Her first professional West End role was as one of the Silly Girls in Beauty and the Beast. She went on to appear in many productions, including Spamalot, where she understudied (covered) Hannah Waddingham and performed the role of the Lady of the Lake. She also appeared in the role of Ballet Mistress and ensemble for An American in Paris, alongside many other musical theatre productions. Pippa also travelled the world as a lead vocalist in production shows aboard cruise ships, having first started her professional career working for her Auntie (Miss) Ali.

We hope this new shield will inspire more future generations of KH performers to dream big, work hard, embrace every opportunity in Dance, Drama and Singing, and one day see their own name proudly engraved alongside the many talented winners who have come before them. KH was delighted the new trophy was awarded to Evie-Mae for 2026💙 Zoom in to the original shield to read the names ( on the back are names moved to make more space including Sarah and Kirsty Ashworth and Anna Baggaley. Almost all awarded this trophy have gone on in a career in the performing arts. Photo 1 Original award, Photo 2 Pippa in the role of Lady of the lake Spamalot ( Palace Theatre London) Photo 3 Evie-Mae first recipient of the New award.

Sometimes the behind-the-scenes of running a charity can be exhausting.

Ironically, today, whilst celebrating the installation of our new solar panels, I also found myself dealing with yet another stressful round of correspondence with EDF about our electricity bills. It really brought home why this project means so much.

Keeping Kirkham Henry's doors open for our community isn't just about teaching dance, drama and singing. It's about constantly finding ways to meet ever-increasing running costs so that everyone, regardless of age or ability, can continue to benefit from everything KH has to offer.

Today gives me real hope.

I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to the Northern Powergrid Foundation for believing in Kirkham Henry and awarding us the grant that has made our solar panel installation possible. Your faith in our charity and the work we do for our community means more than words can say.

To Mo and Russell from Bri-Tek... thank you. From the very beginning, your professionalism, kindness and continued support have been second to none. Nothing has ever been too much trouble, and it has been a pleasure working with you. We simply couldn't have asked for better people to carry out this project.

A special thank you also goes to our trustee, Mark, who supported me with the grant application. Grants don't write themselves, and I truly appreciate the time and expertise you gave to help make this happen.

Every decision we make at KH is about protecting our future. These solar panels are more than just panels on a roof—they're an investment in our charity, our community and the generations of children, young people and adults who walk through our doors each week.

Here's to lower energy bills, a greener future, and many more years of changing lives through the performing arts.

With heartfelt thanks,

Miss Angela ❤️☀️💚

What a wonderful inspiring message from Steph as she moves on to London to pursue her degree in performing arts.

“ As a little girl i found myself looking around and seeing all the other ballerinas in their pretty pink tights, when i was asked by my mum or miss Angela whether i wanted to get my own individual tights i said no as i wanted to be like everyone else in the pink tights and shoes. As i grew up and with the help and support of miss Angela I finally found my own confidence and decided that i wanted to show my individuality and change to shoes and tights of my own colour. I not only wanted to show my own individuality but also hoped that it would demonstrate to the younger performers and dancers that differences are something to be embraced and proud of!”

2020 – Following the global conversations on racial equality, many major ballet brands, including Bloch, Capezio and Freed of London, significantly expanded their ranges of tights and shoes in multiple skin tones. KH are very proud of you Steph, keep embracing your unique gifts and may we wish you all the success in the world.

July 2026

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