Dance Etc... in Bentley High Street had been closed since the premises was devastated by the floods of 2007. It is part of the KT Danz School business run by Katie Ahmed, who has a dance studio on the floor above.

The floods came just as Katie's pupils were staging their spectacular annual show at the Civic Theatre, and Katie had to return to the building by boat to salvage costumes needed in the performance.

Although the show went on, almost as planned, it has been a difficult year for the dance school, with racks of costumes having to be stored in the first floor changing rooms while work on the shop was underway – meaning that dancers had to change in the studio.

Last month's re-opening of the shop was, therefore, a double celebration as students claimed back their changing space.

A delighted Katie, who is busy rehearsing dancers for another performance at the Civic Theatre early next year, said: "Now that we've got our premises back everything is going a lot better – I'm hoping the next show won't be quite as stressful as last year!"

After working abroad as a professional dancer, and then teaching at a Doncaster modelling agency, Katie set up her dance school in 2000.

Despite the setback of the flood the venture has gone from strength to strength and now has around 150 pupils on its books. And Katie has recently taken on one of he own students as an assistant, 19-year-old Stevie Griffin, who has recently qualified as a dance instructor.

Katie specialises in street dance but also teaches freestyle, jazz, baby ballet, cheerleading, singing and drama - and has just launched a popular boys-only break-dancing class.

Her students range from toddlers to adults and spaces are currently available in a variety of dance classes. Contact Katie for details on: (01302) 822444 or 07867 613929.

Dance Etc.... sells urban dance wear as well as traditional dance wear, shoes and accessories. It is open from 11am-7pm on weekdays and 9am-3pm on Saturdays.