A performing arts school in the heart of the Teddington community has hit a memorable landmark this September, celebrating its 10th anniversary.

Teddington Dance Studio (TDS) opened its doors on Church Road in September 2012 and has been nurturing the love of performing arts ever since.

Students from the age of three all the way up to adults are welcome and encouraged to learn and develop their dance and performance technique in a fun and friendly environment.

TDS offers a wide range of classes including Melody Movement, Musical Theatre, Acrobatics, Commercial Jazz and Adult Tap, whilst also teaching Ballet, Tap and Modern throughout the year where students are able to work towards grade examinations.

Natalie Randhawa is principle at TDS and has guided the school through its 10-year journey.

Growing up in Teddington, her love of dancing started at the age of three, where she immediately joined a performing arts school, working her way through the ranks before competing professionally abroad.

After becoming a teacher, Natalie soon realised that she wanted to channel her passion for the arts into creating her own school where she could nurture students through their journey and create an environment where dance enthusiasts could get together and perform.

For a school that started with eight students, TDS now boasts over 200 pupils.

The year 2022 is a testament to how far the performing arts school has come, with TDS shining at this year's All England National Finals, where the Under 11 Classical Ballet Trio collected a well-deserved bronze medal, competing with 16 other schools in the process.

TDS' Under 11's Modern Group also performed strongly as did 7-year-old student Lilly in her stunning ballet solo.

Despite neither picking up medals at the Nationals, both TDS entrants fought off competition from 24 other schools during their regional qualifications to deservedly ensure they were part of All England Dance's prestigious competition.

And from the stage to the big screen, two of the school's talented dancers will also be featuring in upcoming Netflix productions set to be released later this year.

The 12-year-old duo, Nancy Kerr-Elliott and Teigan Lea-Fagan, have been attending TDS since the age of three and will be starring in upcoming Netflix productions.

Reflecting on the whirlwind of a year, Natalie told Nub News: "It's been the busiest year so far, no question! Coming back from the pandemic we were sort of playing catch-up with all the things we were unable to do on zoom such as our big costume show.

"The children have really enjoyed being back in an environment where they can share their love of dancing and I couldn't be prouder of what the whole team has achieved together in 2022, I think some people actually forgot just how busy we are when we are operating on a full schedule!"

To mark a decade of TDS, the school, in and around normal classes and exam preparations, are gearing up for their anniversary show in March 2023. A chance for pupils, parents and teachers to get together and celebrate what has been achieved so far.

Reflecting on 10 years of TDS, Nub News questioned Natalie on whether there is a memory that has stayed particularly close to home.

The TDS principal added: "If I was to choose one, which is incredibly hard, I would have to say the first costume show we ever did.

"Just over 40 kids took part which was incredibly exciting as it was the first time we were able to really show to parents what the school is all about and just how memorable a collective performance can be.

"Our costume shows held every two years are now arguably the biggest date in the calendar and it really is the perfect representation about what we are all about."

Proud parents watch on as TDS girls take part in the school's renowned costume show.

As TDS prepares to enter its second decade, when questioned on what the future holds for the performing arts school, Natalie simply responded: "Watch this space".

After the remarkable success the school has enjoyed over its glittering first decade, we can't wait!