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Cannock's Gotta Dance: Hundreds of youngsters take part in Prince Of Wales event - in pictures

Up to 300 young people took part in a large dance event at Cannock's Prince of Wales Theatre.

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Pupils from Littleton Green Community School perform at the 2018 SSPA Events Cannock Gotta Dance at the Prince of Wales Theatre. Pic: Epic Action Imagery Ltd

Pupils from a variety of Staffordshire schools and dance academies took part in the Cannock's Gotta Dance event which attracted more than 300 people to the town centre venue.

Showing off their moves at the show last night were pupils from Sherbrook Primary, Littleton Green Community School, Pye Green Academy and Cardinal Griffin Catholic College in Cannock, The John Bamford Primary School and Etching Hill C of E Primary in Rugeley, Erasmus Darwin Academy in Burntwood, and Bridgtown Primary School.

Erasmus Darwin Academy PE teacher, Susan Phillips, said the students had a great time taking part.

"The students loved the event and really enjoyed performing on stage," said Mrs Phillips.

"It was a fantastic opportunity for them to go backstage and witness what really happens behind the curtain."

Bridgtown Primary School headteacher and dance leader, Jo Raybould, added the school's students have always tried to add something unique to the event each year, and that the children should be proud of their achievements last night.

"The school has taken part in the show for the last few years and has always tried hard to choose something a little different such as Mary Poppins, Grease, The Lion King and Under The Sea," Mrs Raybould said.

"As headteacher I believe all children should have the opportunity to express themselves through the arts.

"Every time we have taken part we have made sure that all children that want take part do so and it is not restricted to those who do dancing lessons.

"The most important elements for me are for the children to have fun and work as a team.

"Last night all Cannock children worked really hard and I am sure their parents were really proud of their achievements."

Members of Style Dance Academy and Dappa Dance also took part.

Soloists performing at the show were Sam Hollyman, aged 21, Year 7 Stafford Preparatory pupil Karina Edwards, and Jasmine Gardner - a Year 11 pupil from Weston Road Academy in Stafford.

Assistant principal of Littleton Green, Emma Kelly, said the children who took part had a great time in doing so and congratulated their efforts.

“Well done to all the pupils at Littleton Green Community School who took part in the show," said Miss Kelly.

“Our after school dance club pupils performed two dances led by Miss Rachel Hampson, our PE support assistant.

“A great time was had by all who attended and the children made us very proud.

"It was a delight to see their enthusiasm and love for dance.”

Sherbrook Primary School dance club lead and KS2 teacher, Rebeccah Wheeldon added it was a great chance for the youngsters to be involved in a community event; especially given that the school is for pupils with special needs.

“The children had a brilliant time and thoroughly enjoyed the event," said Miss Wheeldon.

“Being a special school, it is a great opportunity for our children to be involved in an event with mainstream schools from the local area.

“Both staff involved and parents were really proud of what they achieved and we cannot wait to perform again next year.”

Cannock's Gotta Dance will also take place at the Prince of Wales Theatre this evening, where organisers are once again expecting an audience of up to 300 people.

Youngsters taking part in tonight's show include pupils from Featherstone Academy, Stafford College, Wolverhampton Grammar School, and Staffordshire University Academy.

Dance schools set to perform this evening include Cannock's M3 Studios, Sundance and Revolution Dance Academy.

Five soloists are also set to perform.