A modern hub for dance, drama and music has opened in Chase Side, reports James Cracknell

Young Talent Academy founder Regan O'Mahony outside newly-opened Studio YTA — *Young Talent Academy founder Regan O’Mahony outside newly-opened Studio YTA*

A new studio space for young singers, dancers and actors has opened in Enfield – in a former plumbing warehouse.

Young Talent Academy (YTA), which runs a series of evening and weekend classes for local youngsters with a passion for performing, had been searching for a new permanent home ever since leaving the Dugdale Centre nearly three years ago.

YTA rented space at Enfield Grammar School after the pandemic but has now moved into a new purpose-built space containing four studios of different sizes which are also available for other groups in Enfield to hire.

The building in Chase Side was left derelict after previously being used as a warehouse by a plumbing firm. But after spotting its potential, YTA founder Regan O’Mahony spent the last six months renovating the space, even getting stuck in with painting.

*Inside YTA Studio in Chase Side, Enfield*

Regan told the Dispatch: “We have completely renovated the whole thing into a community arts hub. We had new ceilings and walls put in and we have turned it into four studios.

“There has always been a massive shortage of community spaces in Enfield so we have had lots of interest in it since we opened [in October].”

The building is accessible, with a disabled toilet and ramps, and also has a kitchen. The four studios give YTA a lot more flexibility for accommodating the growing number of talented youngsters on its books. Classes include ballet, street dance, lyrical dance and drama, while the building is also now home to the acclaimed Young Notes Choir, whose singers recently starred in a TV advert.

Regan said the conversion of the building into a modern arts studio was a big challenge, with no grant funding or bank loans being made available, forcing her to recruit friends and family to help with the mammoth task.

“We couldn’t have done it without the help of friends and family,” says Regan. “I painted the whole of the front myself and we also had some parents helps us. It was all hands on deck!

“It was very stressful but we are hoping we can get some financial help going forward.”

*Youngsters from Young Talent Academy celebrate the launch of their new studio in Chase Side*

As a community interest company, YTA offers scholarships and bursaries for talented children who otherwise wouldn’t be able to sign up. YTA is also hosting a Christmas fair at its studios on Sunday, 27^th November, featuring stalls, a raffle and performances.

For more information about Young Talent Academy and booking rooms at Studio YTA:
Email [email protected]
Visit youngtalentacademy.co.uk

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