A LOCAL dance teacher received a welcome lockdown surprise this week when she learned that she had been shortlisted by the Royal Academy of Dance for their Early Career Dance Teacher Award.

As part of their Centenary celebrations the Awards will celebrate the achievements of RAD Registered Teachers at different stages of their career.

From more than 300 nominations, Charlotte Porter, who runs the Charlotte Jacqueline School of Dance based in The Station, Richmond, is one of only four teachers short listed for the Early Career category.

The winner will be decided by a panel of three industry specialists in combination with an online public vote.

"I have spent my life learning with the Royal Academy of Dance and to be recognised now by such a prestigious institution in their Centenary year is such an honour," said Charlotte, who graduated as an RAD registered teacher in 2015 and opened her own school in 2017 teaching ballet, tap, modern theatre and contemporary dance to all ages from two years old to seated and social classes for less-abled members.

Lockdown has created problems but the show must go on and with online technology the school has been able to continue lessons from the studio to students at home.

Charlotte said: "It has been a disappointing time for our dancers who were invited to make a second appearance at Countryfile Live this year a long with a whole host of other event but there will be other opportunities.

"Nevertheless students have taken to online classes extremely well and have enjoyed a variety of online competitions!"

Hopefully, the school will be able to make a full return to the studio in September this year For further information visit their website at www.cjschoolofdance.com.