Alicia School of Dancing in St Annes

Alicia’s School of Dancing operated from the 1920s to the 1960s from a studio behind this house at 123 St Andrews Road South in St Annes. It was a dance school offering classes in various styles, including ballet, tap, and modern. The school was active during that period, with students taking lessons and participating in showcases. While the full history beyond this period is not detailed, it represents a part of the local dance scene in St. Annes at that time. It was a place where students could develop their dance skills and participate in stage performances. The school’s presence indicates a thriving dance community in the area during the mid-20th century. For the purposes of Blackpool Timeline, we have chosen 1925 for the post though no starting year can be found on record. Two photos taken at the school can be found HERE.

As the plaque says, Alicia Cottrell founded the school and taught hundreds of pupils to dance and perform on stage. She also founded the Lytham St Annes Dance Festival. One of Alicia’s pupils, Deirdre Middleton, is a Principal of DATS (Dance at the Smithy), a Dance and Theatre School located on Lumb Lane in Bramhall. You can find out more about Deirdre and what she is doing today HERE.

Another pupil from Alicia’s school was Barbara Eshelby, who sadly passed away on 30 December 2024 after a long illness. Miss Barbara shaped the lives of thousands of students for over 40 years. Many of them would go on to have careers in dance and musical theatre. Miss Barbara’s love of dance started at a young age with Alicia Cottrell, and then going on to attend the prestigious Loretto Ballet School in Southport to embark on a career in the theatre. On her retirement, she was very prominent in amateur theatre, directing and starring in many productions. She founded Kirkham Dance Centre 44 years ago which later became Rainbow Dance and Theatre School. You can find out more about that school HERE.