New lease of life for landmark Lanner building (From This is The West Country)

New lease of life for landmark Lanner building

9:54am Friday 7th September 2012 in Cornwall

A LANDMARK building in Lanner is being given a new lease of life.

Music will still be heard echoing from the former home of the Lanner and District Silver Band but it will now be more likely to feature the rhumba and the cha-cha.

Gemini Dance Studios has taken over the building and transformed the space into a dance studio.

Christine Redfern from Gemini said: “We have used various locations across Cornwall to give classes and I'm absolutely thrilled to finally get a home of our own that will be dedicated to bringing out the best in people's dancing - whatever their ability.”

Miss Redfern has been teaching dance in the area for more than 25 years with thousands of people successfully learning at all levels from picking up the basic steps to perfecting their technique.

She said: “It's a fantastic space at the old band hall and I'm really pleased to be able to carry on the musical tradition.”

An open day was previously planned for September 8 but as renovation work has taken longer than thought the open day has now been postponed to September 16. The first classes are expected to start on September 24.

Miss Redfern said: “People take up classes for a range of reasons - whether it's for fun, exercise, preparation for a special event or to meet new people - everybody really enjoys the classes.

“We have a huge range of people coming through the door and I'm looking forward to welcoming some new faces at the new studio.”

All are welcome to attend the open day from 12pm to 6pm. There will also be stalls selling handmade jewellery, dance shoes and CDs from the local 19-piece dance band The Nighthawks. Staff will be available to help people choose the appropriate class for them.