Touching tributes have been paid following the death of a “founding father” of a well-known Derby-based dance academy. Friends, family, students, colleagues and individuals from the world of dance have come together on social media to remember the “incredible” Leon Heywood after his death earlier this month aged 45.
Leon co-founded Trinity Warriors Dance Academy more than a decade ago, a group that would quickly become recognised across the scene. Not only does it offer dance classes to a range of people, but it also made the headlines back in 2018 after organising a National Breakdancing Championships, which took place at Deda in Derby.
In 2011, Trinity Warriors featured on the second series of Sky 1’s Got To Dance, a British dance competition that saw dance groups from across the UK compete for a huge £250,000 prize. Trinity Warriors made the semi-final of the competition, putting Derby’s dance potential on the map in front of the likes of Davina McCall, Kimberly Wyatt and Diversity’s Ashley Banjo.
Leon’s dance choreography was labelled “world class” and “the best seen on a live round to date” by judges, highlighting Leon’s exceptional talent and passion for his craft. Countless tributes to Leon have been shared online since his death, with a spokesperson for Trinity Warriors saying: “Dear all students, past and present, It is with great regret we would like to inform you of the passing of Leon Heywood, one of the academy’s founding fathers.
The announcement of Leon’s death has promoted countless tributes on social media
“Leon was such an incredible person and he was an inspiration to every single one of us, from students to parents, to supporters and the dance community as a whole, he inspired so many of us and was everyone’s biggest support. To many of you he wasn’t just a dance teacher, he was a mentor, a friend, a role model, some of you thought of him as a father figure or a big brother and he loved every single one of you.
“Leon helped pave the way for so many of us and shaped us into not only the dancers we are today but also contributed into shaping us all into the people we are today. His students have gone on to do incredible things and even if your path didn’t continue in dance he was proud of us all and what we have all accomplished.
“The news of his passing has been a great shock to us all, however, Leon was a man of God and faith and he is now at peace in heaven and would want us all to remember all of the amazing memories we are all so privileged to share together.
“With that being said, the Trinity Warriors and Academy prides itself not just on the incredible talent of our dancers are but most importantly the value of being a part of a crew and dance family… and that’s exactly what we are, one big Trinity family, so please feel free to share any pictures, videos or just words so we can all look back and share all our special moments.
“Please also allow Leon’s family and close ones time to grieve at this difficult time, all your messages and kind words are being read and are appreciated and loved at this difficult time. Leon’s life will be celebrated and through us all and his legacy will live on forever… Rest in eternal peace Leon aka “Boogie” T’s up forever and always.”
It prompted an outpouring of grief, with Leah Hill saying: “So sad and gutted to hear the news of the passing of Leon Heywood. R.I.E.P. Always the best memories at dance and the best trips!
“Thank you for pouring endless support into us all, giving us the confidence to go for our dreams! It’s only as you get older you can really appreciate good-hearted people that genuinely want to see the younger generation succeed, and you did it so effortlessly!”
Clara J Bonnick said: “Rest easy to this man Leon Heywood. We haven’t spoken in a hot minute but from time to time I’d reminisce about the Trinity crew years, hip-hop, street dancing, breakdancing routines and doing shows, workshops and how we all were one big massive family!
“Really down to earth guy with time for anyone. You definitely will be missed Leon…rest easy.” Kate Scanlan added: “Really shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of Leon Heywood – all the years I’ve known him he was a community builder who was nurturing young breakers with heart. What a loss. My deepest condolences to his family, crew and loved ones.”