Red Shoes Dance Studio has been working each night of the week since the beginning of January on the York school's production of Cinderella & Other Dances.

SPECIAL DELIVERY: Dick Turpin (Richard Batty) with Counter Attack forms for the Prime Minister today Picture: Garry Atkinson

Produced and choreographed by Sandra Watson, the show can be seen at the Grand Opera House, York, at 1.30pm and 7.30pm tomorrow, then 2pm and 7.30pm on Saturday.

In all, 163 children and young people from York and the surrounding district are taking part in this week's performances, and they range in age from three to the early 20s, with an average age of 11. Many have attended rehearsal classes five nights a week and a few of them seven days a week.

"They have all worked extremely hard, supported each other and kept amazingly motivated and cheerful despite, at times, being very tired," says Sandra.

The Red Shoes Dance Studio has had to move twice since Christmas, the first time as a result of difficulties at York Barbican Centre, the second time because of the Priory Street Centre's unsuitability for tap dancing.

"We're now very happy at the Railway Institute," says Sandra. "The staff are very friendly, encouraging and supportive."

Cinderella & Other Dances is Red Shoes' fifth production and it promises to be the most spectacular so far, thanks not least to the costumes specially brought in from America and the Northern Ballet Theatre.

Cinderella will be followed by "an explosion" of jazz, contemporary, national, stage and tap dance pieces, choreographed to upbeat pop music and West End hits.

Tickets cost £8 for adults, £6.50 for children and concessions, and all seats for Friday's matinee are priced £5.50. To book, ring 01904 671818.

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