A STAGE school is celebrating 30 years of helping thousands of children and adults reach their potential.

TipToe Stage School also marked the occasion by performing two sell-out performances at the Towngate Theatre, Basildon, with their show, Best Foot Forward.

More than 150 performers took part, with ages ranging from 18 months to 75 years. Special guests who attended included the Voice finalist Lydia Lucy, who was taught at the dance school when she was younger, and also Maisie Smith from EastEnders, who plays Bianca’s daughter, Tiffany Butcher, and is about to release her debut single.

Speaking after the show, principal Julie Barker said: “This is a very emotional weekend for me and I cannot believe that 30 years ago I started with six pupils and a little cassette machine.

“From our little babies to our adult tappers, each person lit up the stage.

“And this is down to the amazing teaching team we have along with some very supportive and encouraging parents.

“Everyone has played such a big part in getting us to where we are now and it is humbling to think of what we have achieved.

“We’ve performed on Broadway, in the opening and closing ceremony of the Olympics, Disneyland, and almost every London and regional theatre you can think of.”

The stage school is hoping to perform in Las Vegas and return to the Royal Albert Hall, London’s O2 and the Palladium next year.

For more information, you can call 07940 521864 or email julieecarter@aol.com or search Facebook.