
The magic of the big screen and stage will be brought to Harrogate's Royal Hall this weekend thanks to a local dance school.
Summerbell Dance Academy will be presenting ‘Movies & Musicals’ - a dance show filled with favourite songs from across the decades.
They include songs from favourite movies like Mary Poppins and modern classics like Wicked, recognisable tunes from the latest stage musicals including Six, and hits by Abba, Michael Jackson and N'Sync thrown into the mix.
As well as ballet, there will be tap, jazz and contemporary dance on the programme, along with musical theatre performances and impressive acro routines.
Dance school principal Jennie Summerbell said:
“Our youngest dancers are just three and four years old, taking to the stage for the first time and learning about the joy of performing for an audience.
“We also have dancers in their 80s who use dance to keep fit, to challenge themselves and to socialise – it’s wonderful to see them taking to the stage with us again this year.
“And between the two we have dozens of enthusiastic, talented young dancers who have been pushing themselves to make this year’s show the best yet.”
Established in 2012, Summerbell Dance Academy is run by sisters Jennie and Hazel Summerbell, supported by teacher Tasha Lobley.
It is based at St Andrew’s Church Hall in Starbeck, where boys and girls aged from three upwards can join classes in a wide range of dance styles, as well as developing their skills and taking exams.
Earlier this year, a group of the dance school’s teenagers performed at Disneyland Paris, including taking part in the daily parade with the Disney characters.
Ms Summerbell added:
“As well as teaching technique, running a dance school allows us to share really exciting opportunities with our dancers and give them experiences they wouldn’t otherwise have.
“This weekend’s show is another of these: our dancers have shown incredible dedication and teamwork to put together a wonderful evening’s entertainment.
"There have been weeks of intense rehearsals and we’re now making the final tweaks, polishing the performances and perfecting the costumes.
“We’re so excited to show the results of all our hard work to the audience on Saturday night!”
Summerbell Dance Academy’s Movies and Musicals takes place at the Royal Hall, Harrogate, on Saturday, July 28 at 6.30pm.
Tickets are £17 for adults and £14 for children, and are available from the Harrogate Theatre Box Office at www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk or 01423 502116.