The Barbara O'Rourke Foundation

Barbara, born in Warwick dedicated her career of 40 years to teaching, choreographing and producing shows for the Oakley School of Dance, Spencer Street, Leamington Spa. A Royal Academy of Dance Registered Teacher, also an Associate of the Imperial Dance Society of Teachers of Dancing and an Associate Member of IDTA.

Barbara’s philosophy of inclusion combined with her passion and dedication to this beautiful art form, provided children with ballet, tap and modern dance lessons in a caring and happy environment. Her love for dance emanated through her teaching encouraging children to continue through the grades as far as they could go. Many going onto further education in dance and some achieving a successful career in Dance and the Performing Arts. Pupils bonded in friendship through the School remain affectionately connected to this day with it’s incorporation into LWAD (Leamington & Warwick Academy of Dance). Thank you Barbara for your beautiful teaching and so many happy memories.

A child’s progression through the grades comes with a long term financial commitment and unfortunately, due to various reasons this is not always possible for some families. So, in memory of Barbara, we are establishing a Foundation to financially support children, who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford to enjoy this wonderful Art form.