A world-renowned dance group is coming to a shopping centre next month.

Opening on Thursday, January 16, Jasmin Vardimon Company will be using a unit at the Ashford Designer Outlet to teach shoppers how to dance.

The troupe - currently based at the Stour Centre - will occupy the site for six months, running a programme of masterclasses, workshops, exhibitions, screenings and talks.

The Jasmin Vardimon Educational Company aims to increase access to dance teaching, and will open up the pop-up studio to nearby schools and organisations as well as centre visitors.

The space will look to work closely with arts organisations, and marks a partnership between the Outlet and Jasmin Vardimon to improve the complex's cultural offerings.

Outlet manager Peter Corr said: “Offering more than just a shopping experience has become an integral part of the centre.

"It is very important to us to give back to the community with unique experiences.

"We are delighted to be partnering with Jasmin Vardimon Company to introduce our guests to a new form of creativeness.”

Jasmin Vardimon, artistic director of Jasmin Vardimon Company, said she is "hugely excited".

She said: "Over the past eight years we have made a really positive impact on culture and dance education in Ashford and this will provide an opportunity to share our experience and knowledge with the wider community of Ashford and Kent.

"We welcome visitors to experience all that we have to offer and be involved in shaping up our participation programme ahead of the move into our new building."

Having moved into the town in 2012, the dance group has since performed worldwide and required a new home to meet its expanding demands.

Plans for a state-of-the-art, multi-million-pound dance studio were approved in April, however work hasn't yet started on the Javelin Way facility on the Henwood Industrial Estate.

A selection of classes at the Outlet unit will run on a 'pay as you feel’ basis, and workshops are bookable online via the Jasmin Vardimon website.

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