JL DANCE Company’s tireless commitment to going above and beyond for their students has earned them a nomination for a Proud of Barnsley award.
The dance school, run by couple and business partners Lucy and Joanne Hillen-Tindle, received two separate nominations - showing the positive impact of their work on the community.
Most recently, they won the teams category title at the 2025 International Dance Teachers’ Association (IDTA) Musical Theatre Awards.
Alongside their school’s impressive acheivements, Lucy and Joanne’s dedication to working with children truly sets them apart from the competition.
Their formative love for dancing and the performing arts inspired them to pursue a professional career in singing and dancing eventually deciding it was time to inspire the next generation.
The pair often devote extra time to offer free weekend classes, to make classes as affordable as possible for young students.
The couple’s decision to start teaching wasn’t easy at first, with only a couple of students attending classes.
Now, Lucy and Joanne look back fondly on their early days of teaching, with packed classes and a host of talented young students.
Lucy commented: “Our passion for wanting to pass on our love and knowledge for dance led us to be here.
“It’s not always easy to get people interested and involved, but once they are its just as rewarding as actually being the performer yourself, if not more.
“The idea was to create a safe space for young children of Barnsley to come.
“We have children with special needs that enjoy it too and it’s inspiring as a teacher to see them shine.
“Teaching is a passion to us, not just a job.”
Previous students have gone on to art schools like CAPA College in Wakefield, as well as working at The Lamproom Theatre in production shows.
Recently, young student Joshua Kavanagh shone as Charlie Bucket in Wakefield West Ridings Theatre Company’s production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Working with children has taught the pair that dancing isn’t just about competing professionally, but creating a community and getting everybody involved.
Joanne said: “When we first started teaching, you might think that the exams are a lot and they might be struggling, over time you realise they are so resilient and hardworking.
“It’s really inspiring as a teacher to see how they can support each other, from such a young age.”
