Class of 2012 graduate dance showcase in style

More than 1,600 dancers graced the stage in the biggest celebration of dance in the UK.

Dance012 featured eight groups of dancers each night at the Regent Theatre, in Hanley.

Those taking part ranged from four-year-olds to dancers in their early 30s.

Creative director and event organiser Ian Moore has been astounded at the talent on show this year.

The 49-year-old, who is staying with family in Cheadle, said: "I think nearly all of the credit has to go to the dancers because of the amounts of energy and imagination that they have brought to the stage.

"Without them this whole show just would not work, and would not be as successful as it has been.

"It is has always been about the community and giving dancers a platform to express themselves, so we wanted to really let that shine through this year."

Ian has worked with the Regent Theatre since May and admits it is his first experience of organising an event focused solely on dance.

The director, who started his professional career aged 12 in Sunderland, knows first-hand how important it is for youngsters to get a taste of the limelight.

He said: "It is a festival for the people and it helps the young performers draw inspiration from each other.

"We have had acts in the first half cheering on dancers in the second half and parents shouting out encouragement to their kids – the atmosphere in the theatre was just tremendous."

Ian, who has a degree in theatre studies, will go on to direct Footloose later this year.

He added: "For me it is about bringing the community, and especially the dance community, together to bond and represent their city.

"Everyone has been great and the people in the venue have done a sterling job."

The show celebrated its closing night on Saturday, bringing to an end eight nights of local dance talent.

The finale included groups from St Margaret Ward Catholic School in Tunstall, Perfect Pointes dance school from Hanley, and the Regent Academy Dance group, who closed the show with their debut performance.

Amy Chatton, aged 23, from Newcastle, helped choreograph the routine for Perfect Pointes dance group.

The part-time student worked on the routine 'Rhythms' while studying English at the Open University.

She said: "It was hard work getting the group ready for the big night, but I have really enjoyed teaching them and seeing them progress.

"It has been such a great festival this year and the kids have been so excited about being involved."

Amy helps to teach the group, which is based in Hanley and Northwood, three times a week and has aspirations of becoming a dance teacher.

She added: "This year it has all been about the team, so the emphasis is all on the children to go out and pull off a great performance.

" I do find myself in the wings more nowadays than on stage, but it was rewarding to see how well they danced. I was very proud of them."

Source: Thisisstaffordshire.co.uk, Monday 6th February 2012