Sir,-In the Richmond Guardian on April 17th headed Dancing Queen's dream 'dashed' you reported the problems experienced by a keen 14 year old dancer from Waldegrave School, Laura Harrison.

I am an enthusiastic helper at Richmond upon Thames Performing Arts Festival (which was again a great success during the half term break in February) and I do admire Laura as I have frequently come across her quietly practising her dance routines in the secluded corridor by the crche at Parkshot, so I certainly know that she takes her dancing very seriously.

It is a pity Waldegrave cannot be more helpful, but stage dance which is the object of these very hotly contested classes, is a popular and crowded profession where only the supremely talented or lucky few win fame and fortune.

Anyway, I do hope Laura will achieve the success she needs.-Ian F Watts, High Park Road, Kew.

April 30, 2003 15:30