Winchester dance school, The Florian School of Dance perform on stage for the first time since before covid-19 and raise money for the National Autistic Society

On Saturday, July 23 and Sunday, July 24, 200 students from The Florian School of Dance took to the stage at The Point Theatre, in Eastleigh, raising over £1,800 for the National Autistic Society.

In celebration of the school’s 37th anniversary, the Winchester-based dance students, aged three to 18, performed Over the Rainbow, based on the classic story the Wizard of Oz.

The production was initially planned for the school’s 35th anniversary in April 2020. But a week before moving into the theatre and after a year of preparation, the pandemic hit.

Two years on, the school led by principal Annette Fitzgerald have been busy revising the show, refitting costumes and giving students the chance to perform for the first time in five years.

Parent Vicky Rodd has had three of her four children progress through the school.

She said: “Show week is always so special. Florian is like a family."

Miss Fitzgerald chose the National Autistic Society after a member of Vicky's family took his own life in October, one week before turning 25.

Miss Fitzgerald said: "The charity has been incredibly supportive during this very difficult time and I have been amazed since announcing that this was our chosen charity just how many families have another family member or know of someone who is autistic.

"Jon Rodd absolutely excelled in his role as the scarecrow in ‘Over the Rainbow’ and in the nine months since his brother's death he has remained focused and worked hard to secure himself a place at the prestigious London Contemporary Dance School and will be starting there in September."

The anniversary production was Miss Fitzgerald’s last as principal. She established The Florian School of Dance in 1985 and will continue teaching but will step down in September.

To acknowledge their principal’s achievements, past students presented Miss Fitzgerald with The Fitzgerald Award for Leadership at the last performance on Sunday evening.

Former student Aimee Croysdill, who designed the award said: “The award, presented annually, will be part of her legacy at the school. It will honour her dedication and commitment to not only dance, but to every single student who’s walked through her door over the past 37 years.”

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