Almost 200 children from Beccles, Bungay and the surrounding areas have raised thousands of pounds for charity while showcasing their dance talents.

For the past 29 years members of The Dance Factory in Beccles have been performing routines in ballet, modern, tap, disco and street dance at annual shows, with this year’s event was showcased to a packed audience at the Walter Roy Theatre in Norwich on October 28 and 29.

Entitled “Legends”, the show saw pupils dancing their hearts out to a selection of music including Elvis, Madonna and Prince.

Sarah Wicks, who runs The Dance Factory, said: “True to form the shows just get bigger and better each year and the audiences were treated to two hours of dazzling, polished performances complemented by stunning costumes made by Dawn Chorus Dancewear of Flixton and Razzle Dazzle Dance Costumes from Nuneaton and professional lighting and sound supplied by Technical Hitch Sound and Lighting of Norwich.”

The pupils ages range from two-and-a-half years to adults and in order for the show to run smoothly a team of 60 backstage volunteers helped out with costumes, hair and make up over the weekend.

After the final performance on Sunday afternoon, Mrs Wicks awarded trophies to pupils who had shown great determination throughout the year to improve. The awards went to Georgia Reavil who received the six years and under trophy, Amy Clarke who received the seven to 11 years trophy and Emelia Wooden who received the 12 years and over trophy.

The “Pat Foster Personality Award” in memory of Mrs Wicks’ dad went to Olivia Grant, and with an increase in the number of boys attending classes, a new boys cup was added this year and awarded to Sebastian Morrison.

Funds raised over the weekend totalled £3,600, to go to East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH), specifically The Nook appeal, and Bloodwise a blood cancer charity. Helen Morris representing EACH, gave a speech to raise awareness of the cause and thanked Mrs Wicks and her pupils for an enjoyable and professional show.

From the funds raised, £2,800 will be given to EACH, with £800 going to Bloodwise.

The Dance Factory has now raised in the region of £39,000 for various charities.

Mrs Wicks thanked parents for donating raffle prizes and cakes, with special thanks to HSBC for their pound for pound donation.

The next show will be held in June/July 2019, with exams, festivals and competitions keeping the dancers busy until then.

For more information call Mrs Wicks on 07976716563.