JDF Performing Arts College to open in Kidderminster

Mum-of-two Jessica Ayerst opened dance studios on Worcester Street six weeks before the UK went into lockdown in 2020 and is now creating fully-funded opportunities for students who want to launch a career in the performing arts industry. 

JDF Performing Arts College will launch this September offering aspiring dancers and circus performers training towards a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing Arts Practice qualification. 

Principal Jessica Ayerst (Image: J's Dance Factory)

The college will be based at J's Dance Factory's purpose-built dance and aerial studio on Dixon Street with the course being fully funded for 16 to 18-year-olds. 

Ms Ayerst, who lives in the town, said: "I have worked in further education and higher education for many years and have personally witnessed the talent that Worcestershire has to offer. 

"We have some incredible dance schools and I wanted to be able to create bespoke training in Worcestershire that can bring a piece of London to the area." 

The course will offer practical training in aerial hoop, silks and all dance genres. 

Jessica Ayerst teaching students Poppy Holloway and Kiera Pratt (Image: J's Dance Factory)

It will also offer students the chance to gain a Level 4 Teaching Diploma with the International Dance Teachers Association and potentially be represented through their agency, JE Management, where Ms Ayerst currently has student Daniel Webley performing in China in Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical 'Love Never Dies'. 

JDF Performing Arts College will be a centre of SCL Creative offering 20 hours of vocational training a week and an opportunity to gain 168 UCAS points. 

JDF Studios (Image: J's Dance Factory)

To gain a place, students will need to audition with eight young performers successfully gaining a place during the first round for the September 2024 start date. 

For more information on the course and audition dates visit www.jsdancefactorykidderminster.com