Dance school to move to historic Oldham building with star-studded past

The old Higgenshaw School back in the day

An Oldham-based dance school is moving to the former Higgenshaw School site on Shaw Road.

Carnaby School of Dance will be moving into the site which is the home to Groundwork Oldham & Rochdale in the new year.

The move comes after a year in which the Coronavirus pandemic affected many of their in-person classes.

The move comes after the school - founded in 2010 by Laura Carnaby - has faced major challenges during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Over the last nine months, the school has created over 500 Zoom classes, 2 changes in venue and 4 changes of show dates after changes in the Covid rules.

The Grade II listed venue, which continues to be a base for learning and training, was built in 1866 and was the Higginshaw School from 1870 to 1983.

After the school closed the building was used as a performing arts centre with several famous faces passing through the doors as students including Jane Horrocks and Sarah Lancashire.

After ten years running out of Church Halls, Carnaby School of Dance say they are "delighted" to finally have somewhere to call home.  A spokesperson told the Chronicle: "We're looking forward to a month-long period of rejuvenation to have the Studio and Waiting Area/Changing Room ready for after Christmas.

"We're delighted that this building is welcoming us in to sit alongside the other businesses.  We're excited to be part of the site which has previously been a performing arts school to the stars."

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.