At the Spelthorne Business Awards at the end of last year, the Healthy Business award was won by Sunbury based Harfield Dance Studios. It capped a special year for the company, which has just celebrated 35 years in business. What a wonderful achievement, to be able to look back at all those children and adults who have been given the gift of dance. Congratulations to principal Paul Streatfield and to his teachers.
We came across the talent of Harfield Dance Studios when we saw two young ladies take one of the top prizes at the Spelthorne’s Got Talent in Spring 2019. Erin Shury and Lillie Mai Dempster were 9 and 10 respectively when they wowed the judges and audience.
Harfield Dance Studios is based in St Paul’s College (there is no connection with Harfield Road in Sunbury, which is what I had wrongly assumed). Paul also teaches at other venues in the Sunbury area. The studio caters for students of all ages (from 3 to currently 86!) and all ambitions, from the hobby dancer to those who make it through the examinations ranks and finally those who want to compete.
Paul assured me that there is no pressure on anyone to compete, which takes a huge commitment. What seems clear is that students perform to a high level, competing on the open circuit and having been involved in performances at Sadler’s Wells and the London Palladium. The studio teaches Disco, Freestyle, Street Dance, Slow Lyrical, Latin American, Modern Ballroom, Salsa, Rock n Roll and Line Dancing! There are many classes during the week, as well as private tuition.
Paul is a talented dancer, International Adjudicator and ISTD Dancesport Examiner who has received many awards for his passion and commitment to the dance industry. Harfield Dance started in 1984 with partner Jilly Harris (the ‘Har’ in Harfield, to Paul’s Streat ‘Field’). Jilly was riding the keep fit craze of the 1980’s when they met and Paul was making it big in the world of dance. Together they created the Harfield Dance Studios, sharing a passion and helping others to make their dreams come true. During their years together they created champions and helped hundreds achieve their ambitions.
Jilly sadly passed away in 2012 which left a huge void in Paul’s life. With much support of friends, family and dancers, Paul decided that the best tribute he could make to his partner would be to continue with the school. He recently hosted a reunion of all those who had been part of the teams life during Jilly’s time. Winning the Healthy Business Award in 2019 was a true accolade for the school she built with Paul.
So why dance? Dance is a fantastic stress buster. It releases endorphins. Whether dancing as a couple or dancing individually, it makes you feel good, as well as being great exercise. It is an escape from the stress of every day life and Children can channel their emotions through the steps they learn with many starting from a young age and staying on well into their late teens!
Paul describes one of the things he particularly loves is training a couple for their wedding dance “seeing this couple set out on their journey and reaching the goal of performing a dance together on their wedding day is such a joy” said Paul.
So, if you want to feel great, socialise and keep fit, what could be better?
You will find Harfield Dance Studios on Facebook or you can contact Paul on 07939 302106