A new dance troupe led by a former cast member of the Lion King musical is being seen as the latest instance of a creative surge across Greenwich.

Maria Ghoumrassi, a long-time teacher and community organiser at the charity Greenwich Dance, will lead the Adult Performance Company.

Ghoumrassi, a multidisciplinary dance and movement specialist, was part of the original ensemble when The Lion King opened in the West End in 1999. She also supervised the choreography in her role as a dance captain.

According to the Greenwich Dance website, Ghoumrassi’s group has previously performed at the Greenwich & Docklands International Festival. In a previous avataar, the Adult Performance Company was meant for the over-55s but is now open to anyone over 18.

The group is seen as part of a new wave of creative projects in Greenwich.

The Woolwich Works, a community arts centre in five restored industrial buildings, re-opened in September and has a busy schedule of jazz, theatre and holiday-themed events for the Christmas season.

The Design District, 16 buildings by eight architects, opened near the O2 Arena in mid-September. Named one of “the world’s 100 greatest places” by TIME magazine, it offers low-rent workspace to people in the creative industries.

On a smaller scale, Tramshed, a youth theatre company in Woolwich, has had a particularly successful month, having picked up a Fantastic Families award on November 16. Tramshed also received a Best of Royal Greenwich Business Award.

The Adult Performance Company has positioned itself as an inclusive way to get everyone over 18 to dance. Its website says: “No experience needed…Come and join us and get ready to embark on an exciting new journey in dance!”

That may be exactly the situation with Greenwich as it jives to a new creative beat.