ALICE in Wonderland proved to be more than a trip down a rabbit hole when it was performed by a St Albans and Harpenden dance school.

For when The Dance Studio performed their fourth biennial showcase in sell-out performances at Harpenden Public Halls in May, principal Miriam Bold was able to announce that £6,000 had been raised from the production for Great Ormond Street Hospital.

That is just a small portion of what The Dance Studio has raised so far. Proceeds from previous shows, including Narnia, Peter Pan and The Wizard of Oz, have all raised substantial amounts for the children’s hospital and the total donation to date is almost £20,000.

Miriam, who lives in St Albans with her husband and three small children explained: “Great Ormond Street Hospital is a place that is very close to our hearts. As a family, we experienced the amazing work they do for sick children. Their dedication, kindness and expertise is second to none but they really do depend on donations to continue their standard of care.

“I am indebted to the treatment they were able to offer us a few years ago and am grateful that I have the support of The Dance Studio students and their parents who help to make the fundraising and the shows possible.

“An enormous amount of work, long hours and expense goes into producing each biennial show, but it is worth it all to see nearly 450 children perform, as is obviously, to be able to raise so much money for this important charity.”

The Dance Studio runs weekly dance classes every term time for toddlers through to adults and the next show will take place in 2015.

Having lived in the area since childhood, Miriam trained at The Dance Studio herself from the age of 10 before going on to The London College of Dance. From there she began her career in teaching and finally came back to The Dance Studio in 2002 as its principal.