A singer and dancer from Royston, who has performed all over the world, has returned to her hometown to take the helm at a brand new branch of a performing arts school opening tomorrow in the town.
Jessica Fairfield is putting 15 years of professional dance experience into her new role as centre director of the new Theatretrain Royston at Stage Right Studios in the town.
“I started with ballet when I was three purely so my mum could get me out of the house and socialising with other children,” Jessica said.
“Little did she know what it would lead to!
“I started dancing at Stage Right, or Wendy Truett Theatre School as it was then, so it is special for me.
“When I was 16, I packed up and moved to London to study at performing arts college Urdang with a full scholarship, and three years later, I graduated with a National Diploma in Professional Dance.”
Jessica’s career took off and she travelled the world performing as a dancer and singer in tours, pantomimes, and on cruise ships including the RMS Queen Mary 2.
“While sailing I have seen incredible things including the pyramids, Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Colosseum, dreamlike beaches in the Caribbean and the hustle and bustle of New York,” she said.
“I have also sailed in some horrendous storms, with waves crashing down onto the open decks which smashed portholes on ships sailing alongside us. It is incredibly difficult to stand up in those conditions, let alone perform in shows!”
The mum-of-one then moved into choreography, a natural progression as she had always taught dance to both children and adults in-between shows.
Back on home soil, she took a lead role at at dance school not too far away.
“I took over at Theatretrain Welwyn-Hatfield in 2013 just after the birth of my daughter and have seen it go from strength to strength, we have just had our 15th birthday.
“Having moved back to Royston, it is amazing to now be able to open Theatretrain here, and within the school I started my training in too. They have fantastic facilities there which our students will really benefit from.
“We work in conjunction with professional children’s agency Goldman Management, and have students on their books getting great jobs.
“Our classes also develop children’s confidence and self-esteem, communication and co-ordination skills, and they’re really valuable making new friends outside of school.”
The school will also offer opportunities to take part in annual shows, theatre trips, Easter schools, exams and more.
With Jessica’s passion for performing and teaching the next generation, it’s no wonder her efforts pay off.
“Watching our students grow and the journey they take at Theatretrain is hugely rewarding,” she said.
“Especially the ones that come in and are really shy, clinging on to mum and maybe even shedding a few tears. The transformation – even after a few weeks – is always incredible, to see them bounding into Theatretrain with a huge smile on their face ready to dive into classes, is wonderful.”
Theatretrain classes are for ages three to 18 and every new student a free trial class at the Lumen Road studios.
For more information, times and costs go to www.theatretrain.co.uk/royston.
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