Police Help Local Dance Class

When a local dance class asked police for props for their upcoming show, officers jumped at the chance to help and also give an educational input.

Thornton Academy of Performing Arts, in Middlesbrough, recently celebrated their 30^th year with an anniversary show and needed to borrow six riot shields for their finale piece of Billy Elliott, the award-winning movie from 2000 featuring Jamie Bell as a young boy who becomes fascinated with ballet dancing.

The group teaches students from age two upwards, including children and adults with additional needs.

Detective Sergeant Ian Boyes, whose daughter previously attended the performing arts group, went along to speak to the group about what the riot shields can be used for and how they can protect officers in a public order situation. He took the shields with him so that they could be used in the performances at Middlesbrough Theatre.

Detective Sergeant Boyes said: “We were happy to assist the group with borrowing some of our shields which they used in their recent performances, and I went along to speak to the group about what the shields are and what they’re used for, to provide an understanding of how police use them operationally for their protection in a public order situation.

“It’s not just our job to protect the public but also to engage with the children so that they understand the role of a police officer and so that they are comfortable to approach the police should they ever need any assistance.”

Teacher at Thornton Academy of Performing Arts, Melanie Philo, said: “We are so grateful to Cleveland Police for the loan of their riot shields which we used in our Billy Elliot finale. Our students loved that they were using actual police shields in their routine and this added to the overall effect of the costume and choreography.

“Our students worked so hard for this amazing production and we have had glowing feedback from everyone who came to support us. Thank you to Ian Boyes for arranging the loan of the shields, we are very grateful for your support.”

Thornton Academy are now enrolling new starters for the summer term. To find out more about the show or classes on offer, follow them on Facebook and Instagram or email: [email protected]