<strong>From Pop to Patron of the Dance</strong>

Virginia Lewis-Jones, daughter of ‘The Forces’ Sweetheart’ Dame Vera Lynn CH DBE LLD MMus, has been asked by the Drusilla Duffill Theatre School to become a patron.

The Drusilla Duffill Theatre School was established in 1957 and continues to thrive. It offers a superb dance education to all pupils providing a disciplined approach to physical exercise; a chance for young people to express themselves creatively and an avenue for children to explore and contemplate a future in dance. Children can begin classes from aged three years old.

The School has developed a strong reputation in the dance world and has become a renowned place of learning for dance students in Mid Sussex currently teaching ballet, tap, modern, jazz and performance classes to over 200 students of all ages. Ex pupil Seren Williams is currently playing the lead role of Juliet, in Matthew Bourne’s production of Romeo and Juliet.

Of this wonderful opportunity and honour, Virginia enthused, “<em>I have always loved dance and so was thrilled and delighted to be asked to be Patron of this excellent school with an enviable reputation and visionary approach.</em>”

Virginia, who lives in Ditchling, has been managing her mother for many years and continues to do so. She became Vice-President of the Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity in 2013, having previously been on the Board of Trustees. She now attends events and supports the Charity on Dame Vera's behalf.

The voice of Dame Vera’s audio book of her autobiography, <em>Some Sunny Day, My Autobiography</em>, Virginia also co-wrote with her mother, <em>Keep Smiling Through</em>, a life-affirming wartime memoir of Dame Vera’s adventures entertaining the troops in Burma. Virginia has had many jobs, ranging from PA in a fashion house to television researcher on the Michael Parkinson Show. She even enjoyed a guest spot on the 1960s pop-themed panel show, Jukebox Jury.

Virginia is very much looking forward to her tenure as Patron and being involved in the future of the Drusilla Duffill Theatre School.

The Drusilla Duffill Theatre School’s show <em>United We Dance,</em> staged every three years, will take place this year at The Hawth, Crawley, Saturday 6 July and Sunday 7 July. With amazing age-related choreography, stunning costumes and brilliant lighting, it’s a perfect opportunity to witness the breath-taking magic of this expressive school.

See more about The Drusilla Duffill Theatre School: <a href="https://bit.ly/2Y9nNk3">https://bit.ly/2Y9nNk3</a>

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