Beccles dance school raises thousands for charity through Twisted Tales show

Performers from The Dance Factory. (Image: Carmel Jane Studio Ltd)

For the past 28 years Beccles dance school The Dance Factory has held an event to showcase pupils’ talents in ballet, modern, tap, disco/street and hip hop.

The show was held at the Walter Roy Theatre in Norwich, and three shows were staged over the weekend of June 4 and 5 to a packed theatre of family, friends, invited guests and the public.

This year’s show was called Twisted Tales and pupils danced their hearts out to a selection of music taking the audience through the stories of Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella.

The pupils ages range from two-and-a-half years to adults, and more than 60 backstage helpers made the show run smoothly, complemented by costumes made by Dawn Chorus Costumes in Flixton and Razzle Dazzle Dance Costumes in Nuneaton and professional lighting supplied by Technical Hitch Sound and Lighting of Norwich.

Performers from The Dance Factory. (Image: Carmel Jane Studio Ltd)

After the final performance, dance teacher Sarah Wicks awarded trophies to pupils who had shown great determination throughout the year to improve. They were presented to Amber Muttitt, who received the six years and under trophy, Freya Moorhouse who received the seven to 11 years trophy and Oliver Walter who received the 12 years and over trophy. The “Pat Foster Personality Award” in memory of Mrs Wicks’ dad went to Maisy Cousins.

A cheque for £2,000 will be donated to East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices and a further £500 will go to Bloodwise.

The Dance Factory has now raised in the region of £35,000 for various charities, and Mrs Wicks would like to thank all the local businesses that donated raffle prizes and the parents who made cakes.

The next show will be held in November 2017, and until then pupils will be busy with exams, festivals and competitions.

Anyone interested in joining can call Mrs Wicks on 07976716563.