Corrie’s Casey set to stop out into teaching
10:03am Tuesday 9th January 2007 in News By Staff Reporter
STAGE STAR: Casey Lee Jolleys, looking forward to opening her own dancing school
AFTER dancing her way to the top, a star of stage and screen is looking to teach others to follow in her footsteps.
Casey Lee Jolleys - known to millions for her role as Fred Elliott's Thai bride, Orchid in Coronation Street - has applied to open a dance and drama school in her home town, Bolton.
Subject to planning permission, Casey, aged 33, who is presently starring in Aladdin at The Lowry in Salford Quays, will open the school on Hartford Court, Weston Street.
She said: "I used to teach at the dance school I attended in Worsley so I have experience. It is very exciting opening my own school."
The married mother-of-one has been dancing since she was six years-old. She made her first appearance on the small screen as a young girl on children's programme, Saturday Superstore, before dancing her way to the West End to appear in shows including Miss Saigon and Starlight Express.
She is hoping to bring her friends from the West End to pass on tips to her students - whatever their age.
Casey, who now lives in Prestwich but grew up in Astley Bridge, said: "There is such an interest in dancing now with programmes like Strictly Come Dancing. I want to cater to all ages, from young children to the older ones.
"I want it to appeal to everyone, from those who enjoy dancing, to people who want to make a career out it. It is something for the community and for something for young people to do rather than hang about on the streets."
Casey will combine her teaching with appearing on stage and being mum to her two-year-old daughter Hall.
Bolton Council's planning committee will consider the application to change the workshop and offices on Weston Street to the dance and drama school later this month.
