Last updated at 10:32, Thursday, 18 March 2010

YOUNG performers showed off their skills last week in a county-wide dance festival. Hundreds of schoolchildren took to the stage at Whitehaven Civic Hall to dance to theme tunes from Mission Impossible, Star Wars and even Pirates of the Caribbean. The youngsters were showcasing their talents in the annual festival U.Dance, formerly Ace Dance, which gives children the chance to choreograph and perform their own dance routines. A total of 14 schools took part, each basing their performances on a different theme. Children from Moresby Primary School performed a colourful version of Circus by Britney Spears. While Year 5 pupils from St Bees Village School took to the stage with their choreographed interpretation of Slumdog Millionaire’s top tune Jai Ho! A group of Year 6 pupils from St Patrick’s Primary were on a mission with their theme Licence to Thrill. They danced to a medley of tracks which included James Bond, Pink Panther and Austin Powers. And the event wasn’t only for the younger children. Year 8 and 10 pupils from West Lakes Academy danced to the Muse hit Super Massive Black Hole to tie in with their theme of Temptation. The aim of the event was to build youngsters confidence with a performance in front of an audience. The county council’s dance co-ordinator, Lynn Fade, said: “We are seeing a real increase in high quality dance opportunities and take-up which is fantastic. “Dance is a growing hobby and is one of the six activity areas of the national curriculum PE and is studied at all key stages which underlines just how important it can be in a young person’s life.” The festival is an annual event organised by Cumbria County Council and brings together pupils of all ages from schools in Copeland, Allerdale, Carlisle, Barrow and Eden.

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First published at 10:29, Thursday, 18 March 2010
Published by http://www.whitehaven-news.co.uk