YORK residents will be shown dancing in the streets in a new BBC TV series starting next week.

Our Dancing Town is intended to celebrate the history and heritage of York and three other Yorkshire towns, Barnsley, Huddersfield and Skipton, telling the story of each place and its people through dance.

A spokeswoman said West End performer and choreographer Steve Elias leads an ‘audacious, one-off dance through the streets’ in the documentary series, made by Twenty Twenty for BBC Two.

“With a career that spans 25 years, Steve has had starring roles in Guys & Dolls, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Billy Elliot, whilst also working as a choreographer for the likes of the Scottish National Opera and the BBC Proms,” she said.

She said Steve wanted to get everyone, from gifted amateurs to complete novices, up and moving, in a series of spectacles on the streets of each town he visited.

“In the way that London’s Olympic opening ceremony brought people together, and showcased the best of Britain to the world, Steve’s dances will similarly celebrate the pride, history and people of four very different Yorkshire locations.”

Steve said his mission was to get the people of Yorkshire on their dancing feet. “I genuinely believe dance can change lives,” he said. “I want people to tell their stories and show us what makes them and their town special.

“This really is dancing in the street - professionally choreographed and captured in one continuous and awe-inspiring shot.”

Early episodes feature Barnsley, Huddersfield and Skipton, with the final two following Steve as he brings them together and attempts to pull off one, final bigger and bolder spectacle.

“The backdrop for this last dance will be the stunning, historic county capital of York, whose residents will also be drafted in to join in the epic, concluding celebration,” he said.

Creative director Emma Willis said the series would be ‘fun, tough, revealing and above all emotional’.

*Our Dancing Town will be shown at 9pm every Tuesday on BBC 2, starting on January 10.