A new dance and fitness studio has opened in Alfreton – and it will be hosting an open day to celebrate its launch in the town.

Studio 44 opened in Institute Lane earlier this year, expanding from its original location in Chesterfield.

Daniel Harris, director of Studio 44, said: “Just before lockdown happened, we were breaking our records month by month and we knew we were going to plateau because of the size of the studio.

“We needed to expand and then lockdown happened, and that tested us slightly but we managed to take all the classes online.

“We managed to grow through lockdown while unfortunately a lot of organisations didn’t.”

Studio 44 took over the lease of the premises from the Clare Sales School of Dance, which closed in December last year, and eventually opened at the end of March.

The team has been making some tweaks to the building and is now preparing for its official opening on Saturday, June 4.

The open day will start with a performance before the new Mayor of Alfreton, Councillor John Walker, cuts the ribbon and officially opens the studio.

There will also be a series of stalls inside Studio 44 and face painting will be on offer.

Studio 44 offers a range of different children’s classes, including cheerleading, dance and gymnastics.

Daniel said: “We just want to get as many people as possible [involved]. It’s not always about the elite dancers, we’re all about getting everybody involved regardless of your ability.

“We try to keep it as affordable as possible. With dance, a lot of people are put off with the cost of uniforms and the shows. We’re very aware of that.”

The venue is also available to hire for anybody wishing to deliver a class or host an event.

The Studio 44 open day will take place on Saturday, June 4, between 12pm and 2pm.

Anybody who would like to have a stall at the open day can do so in exchange for a £10 donation to Studio 44. Contact Studio 44 for more information.