Published in Ilford Recorder, 12th August 2010, and found at http://www.ilfordrecorder.co.uk/content/redbridge/recorder/whatson/story.aspx?brand=RECOnline&category=whatsontheatre&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=whatsonnewham&itemid=WeED13%20Aug%202010%2010%3A51%3A37%3A220.
AFTER a decade of busting professional dance moves on some of the biggest nights in music, stage star Micheal Downing is developing a new breed of promising young talent.
The 27-year-old, of Brookside, Hainault, is opening Stadium Theatre School at West Hatch High School, High Road, Chigwell, in September to train five to 18-year-olds.
Micheal has performed on stage with Take That and the Osmonds, as well as entertaining the crowds at the Brit Awards and having an acting pedigree after appearing in Holby City, The Bill and Oliver Twist.
His CV also boasts a teaching career at Pineapple Dance Studios and working with X Factor star Olly Murs.
Micheal hopes the school proves a "great opportunity for local dancers to shine".
He said: "To see talent emerge there would be incredible. Performing is a great way to express yourself, it is great for your confidence and it keeps you really fit too."
Micheal follows in the footsteps of Redbridge actors Tamzin Outhwaite, Sean Maguire and Dame Maggie Smith and cites Broadway superstar Fred Astaire as one of his biggest inspirations.
He said: "I've had a lot of funny jobs. I have been painted silver, been a duck, a cow and even part of an elephant's leg in the Take That tour.
"My mum has an inner-dancer that she will say she has passed on to me."
Gazing into the future, Micheal has an ambition to open more schools, but admits it will take time.
He said: "First of all I want to make sure the first one is successful and that people get what they want out of it."
He already knows one of the more important lessons he needs to teach.
He said: "Through the years you grow a thick skin - which is something you will need to survive in this industry.
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