LH Dance Studio is based at The Cotton Works in Wigan and is now home to around 230 children each week. Laura Hines, who lives in Pemberton, opened her dance school in 2020, rather bravely in the middle of the pandemic! Back then it was just six classes a week in a village hall.
This is Laura’s story in her own words…
“My name’s Laura, I’m 39 and originally from Billinge. I moved to Pemberton about ten years ago. I’ve danced since I was five, starting out in recreational freestyle classes before moving into teaching around fifteen years ago.
“As I got older, I wanted to offer more. I wanted to expand what I was teaching and what I could give to children through dance. Eventually I felt ready to open my own dance school.
“I opened LH Dance Studio at the end of 2020, right after lockdown. Starting a business during a pandemic wasn’t exactly the sensible option, but I knew in my heart it was the right time. It was a leap of faith, but one I’m so glad I took.
“We started in Roby Mill, in a lovely little hall opposite The Fox pub, running six classes a week. As things began to grow, we added extra classes in Orrell.
“By mid 2023, we had completely outgrown the hall. Around that time, Wigan Vipers Cheerleading contacted me about taking over the lease of their unit at The Cotton Works. It meant a location change, and that was a big decision, but I went to view it.
“We took the leap and moved, and it was honestly the best decision we ever made.
“We did lose some dancers because of the move, which was difficult, but we also gained so many amazing new ones. We’re now at around 230 dancers, which still feels surreal to say.
“We run 21 classes over six days a week for ages two and up, with six teachers and our own dedicated space. Having somewhere that truly feels like home for our dancers has made such a difference.
“We provide fun based dance classes for all abilities, working towards our optional annual theatre dance show and presentation night. The shows are always a highlight. The main feedback I get is how happy the dancers look on stage, and that means everything to me.
“I’ve always loved music and dance, and I truly believe it’s such a positive outlet for children, not just for fitness but for mental health too. It was really important to me that LH Dance Studio was a safe, fun space where children can forget about daily struggles and just enjoy being themselves.
“Seeing their confidence grow is the best part of it all.”
Laura’s journey from five year old dancer to studio owner is the kind of story that says everything about her determination.
Starting a business during a pandemic takes courage, but growing it into a space that now supports 230 children every week takes something even more special. It’s a brilliant example of what can happen when passion, hard work and a bit of Wigan grit come together.
