The Transformative Power of the Arts: How One Woman’s Passion Built a Thriving Community
Mays Performing Arts is more than just a school; it’s a haven of creativity, confidence, and connection for young people. Founded in 2019 by Harriet May whose passion for the arts runs deep, this institution is making waves by providing high-standard training in dance, theatre, and music while transforming lives along the way. But the story of Mays Performing Arts is more than just one of teaching and learning; it’s a tale of resilience, purpose, and the unyielding power of a dream.
A Dream Takes Shape
The founder’s lifelong love for the arts inspired her to create Mays Performing Arts. She envisioned a space where children could explore their talents, discover their voices, and find joy in self-expression. “The arts have always been a source of transformation and happiness for me,” she explains. “I wanted to give as many young people as possible the chance to experience that magic.”
Mays Performing Arts | Photo Credit: Matthew Potter
Since its inception, the school has become a beacon of opportunity, nurturing countless young talents and fostering a sense of belonging. Each student is seen as an individual, with tailored guidance to help them progress, not just in their craft, but in their confidence and sense of self-worth.
Overcoming Life’s Challenges
The journey hasn’t been without its challenges. 5 years ago Harriet caught sepsis and was admitted into Royal Papworth in Cambridge. She then faced life-threatening organ failures and autoimmune diseases, she spent the past 5 years in rehab and trying to figure out the main cause. In the past year, Harriet faced a personal battle with Cystic Fibrosis overlap syndrome, a rare and demanding health condition. “There were moments when I wondered if I’d be able to keep going,” Harriet shares candidly. “But the energy and joy of our students, along with the support of our incredible team, gave me the strength to push forward.”
Rather than letting her diagnosis define her, she turned it into a source of motivation. “I’ve learned to celebrate the small victories and focus on taking life one step at a time,” Harriet says. “If my story can inspire others to persevere through their own challenges, then it’s all been worth it.”
Creating a Legacy of Empowerment
The impact of Mays Performing Arts is undeniable. From the shy child who finds their voice through a solo performance to the young dancer mastering a difficult routine, the school is a place where transformation happens every day.
“Watching our students grow in skill, confidence, and happiness is the greatest reward,” Harriet says with pride. “Every moment on stage, every smile of accomplishment – those are the memories that make all the hard work worthwhile.”
One particularly poignant memory stands out: a once-reserved student delivering a powerful singing solo in front of hundreds of people. “To see someone go from feeling unsure to radiating confidence is nothing short of magical,” she recalls. “It’s a testament to the power of the arts to transform lives.”
A Special Christmas Event: Glory
This December, Mays Performing Arts will host its highly anticipated Christmas show, Glory, on the 14th. This spectacular event will not only showcase the incredible talents of its students but also serve a meaningful purpose. All donations from the event will go directly to Trowse Church to support their effort in raising funds for a much-needed heating system. Limited tickets are available, so don’t miss the chance to be part of this magical evening. Tickets can be purchased here.
“It’s an honour to bring the community together for such a beautiful cause,” Harriet shares. “This event is the perfect blend of creativity, celebration, and giving back.”
Giving Back to the Community
Giving Back to the CommunityMays Performing Arts isn’t just about its students; it’s deeply rooted in the community. Each year, the school hosts a charity event, with last year’s efforts raising hundreds of pounds for St Andrews Church. The funds support an important project to install a much-needed heating system in the church, an effort that unites the community for a shared purpose.
“Seeing everyone come together for such a meaningful cause is truly heartwarming,” Harriet says. “We’re proud to contribute in any way we can.”
Looking Ahead
The future of Mays Performing Arts is bright. With ambitious plans for 2025, the school aims to expand its programmes, introduce new workshops, and bring in guest teachers to enrich the learning experience. There’s also a focus on further developing the Mays Dance Company, ensuring students continue to thrive both in and out of the studio.
“We’re always looking for ways to grow and provide even more opportunities for our students,” Harriet shares. “But at the heart of everything we do is our commitment to nurturing a strong sense of family and belonging.”
A Story of Hope and Inspiration
Mays Performing Arts stands as a shining example of how passion and perseverance can create something truly extraordinary. Despite personal challenges, Harriet’s unwavering dedication has built not just a school, but a community where young people can flourish.
“I’ve always believed in the transformative power of the arts,” Harriet says. “Seeing that belief come to life through our students is the most rewarding experience I could ever imagine.”
To dive deeper into Harriet’s inspiring story, read the full interview below and discover more about the heart and soul behind Mays Performing Arts.
With its inspiring story, Mays Performing Arts reminds us all that even in the face of adversity, we can build something beautiful and lasting—a legacy of empowerment, creativity, and hope.
The Full Interview: Harriet’s Inspiring Journey
1. Could you start by telling us a bit about yourself and how Mays Performing Arts came to be?
I worked professionally in London and across the globe for 7 years after facing some life threatening health conditions. I was told to leave London and live somewhere with fresh air and a more relaxed way in life.
Mays Performing Arts was born in 2019 from my lifelong passion for the arts and a desire to create a space where children could explore their creativity, train, build confidence, and form lasting relationships. Mays Performing Arts aims to provide high standard training in Dance, Theatre & Music. After years of teaching and performing, I realised how much joy and transformation the arts can bring, and I wanted to provide that opportunity for as many young people as possible across the globe!
Harriet May | Photo Credit: Matthew Potter
2. What are your main goals for the school, and what do you hope to achieve through your work?
My main goal is to inspire and nurture every child who walks through our doors. I want them to feel supported, empowered, and proud of their progress – whether that’s mastering a dance step, hitting a note, or simply feeling more confident. Beyond the skills, I hope to instill a lifelong love of the arts and a sense of belonging in our students. Looking at each student Individually and working on their personal progress.
3. I understand you’ve faced some challenges, including health issues. If you’re comfortable, could you share how these have affected you and how you’ve managed to keep going?
This past year has been incredibly challenging. With hospital visits to Papworth in Cambridge with my diagnosis of Cystic Fibrosis overlap syndrome, there were moments when I felt like I wouldn’t be able to continue. But Mays Performing Arts became my anchor. The joy and energy of our students, the support of our team, and the purpose I find in our work kept me going. It hasn’t been easy, but seeing what an incredible school and community we have built in 5 years is mesmerising!!
4. If you feel comfortable sharing, is there anything about your health issue you’d like to mention to help educate or inspire others who may be facing similar challenges?
Cystic fibrosis overlap syndrome is a rare condition, and living with it has taught me the importance of resilience, self motivation and how lucky we are to be here!! Some days/weeks are harder than others, but I’ve learned to celebrate small victories and take every day as it comes one step at a time! If I can inspire others to keep pushing forward despite their challenges, I feel I’ve turned my struggles into something meaningful and life changing for all!!
5. Your journey is truly inspiring. What does it mean to you to be able to make such a positive impact on people’s lives through your work?
It’s incredibly humbling and fulfilling. Seeing students grow, whether it’s in skill, confidence, technical training, mental well being and personal happiness, is the greatest reward. Knowing that Mays Performing Arts is a safe and inspiring space for students to come makes all the hard work worthwhile.
6. You also run an annual charity event, which last year raised hundreds of pounds! Could you tell us about the charity you support and how others can get involved or donate?
We’re proud to support St Andrews Church through our annual Christmas event, raising funds to help St Andrews church as they need to raise £60,000 for a new heating system. It’s a cause close to my heart, and seeing the community come together for such a meaningful purpose is incredible.
Photo Credit: Matthew Potter
7. Of all the classes you run, do you have a favourite? Or are there particular classes you feel make the biggest difference in children’s lives?
It’s hard to pick a favourite because every class has its unique magic! But I think our introductory classes are especially impactful – they’re often where children discover their love for the arts and start building confidence. Watching their faces light up when they master something new is priceless.
8. What part of your job do you enjoy the most? Is there a particular moment or project that stands out as having the greatest impact? Are there any fond memories you’d like to share?
I love seeing our students perform. Watching their hard work come together on stage during our yearly productions, events and competitions is always a proud moment. One of my fondest memories is when a particularly shy student confidently delivered a singing solo performance in-front of hundreds after months of encouragement – it was a powerful reminder of why I love what I do!
9. What plans do you have for 2025?
2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year! We’re planning to expand our programmes, introduce some new workshops, guest teachers and further develop our Mays Dance Company training. Of course, we’ll continue to focus on our strong family bond helping students to thrive both in and out of the studio!!
You can visit Mays Performing Arts website and social links below:
Website / Facebook / Instagram
Photo Credits: Matthew Potter