NIKKI WEBSTER was criticised for having too much dance ability while competing on Dancing With The Stars. Now she will use those skills to help others.

The singer revealed to The Sun-Herald yesterday that she is opening a performing arts school with brother Scott next month, in a bid to help young people get a leg-up in the industry.

Dance @ Nikki Webster will offer classes in everything from singing to dancing to acrobatics, accepting tots up to adults.

Webster – a household name since she starred in the opening ceremony of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games – said she would harness her extensive contacts in the industry, sourcing the best performers in the various disciplines, as well as leading classes at the Stanmore studio.

“I’ve been dancing since I was five and have been in dance schools growing up and I know what I liked about them,” she said yesterday from the Central Coast, where she is holidaying with her family.

“I can tell students what the industry is about. I just want to see people following their dreams and having fun.

“It’s also giving back to the community and Sydney, where I grew up. It’s a chance for me to be creative in a different sense as well.”

The 20-year-old said her new teaching career did not mean her recording career was over. “I’m still writing my music, trying to find direction, still performing,” she said. “Whatever comes up, I’ll take.”

Older brother Scott, 23, is a qualified teacher with a degree from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. Webster’s school will have an open day on February 2.

Source: SMH