THIS weekend York School of Dance and Drama marks its 30th anniversary. Next weekend the evergreen Miss Isobel Dunn notches up twice that length of service to York's young dancers, when she presents Dance Flash 2005 at the Grand Opera House.
"The show is 60 years old now, starting at the Co-op Hall in Melrosegate in 1945, then running annually at the Empire Theatre (now the Opera House), the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, St George's Hall (now Fairfax House), York Theatre Royal and the Rialto (now Mecca)," says Miss Dunn.
Next Saturday (April 30), 120 performers aged four and upwards from the Isobel Dunn School of Dancing, in Market Street, York, take part in 2.30pm and 7.30pm shows with a nostalgic bent.
"For many years I was dancing mistress and choreographer to the York Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society, York Light Opera Society and Donald Bodley's pantomimes at the Theatre Royal," says Miss Dunn.
"In Dance Flash 2005, I have used music from the shows I did for those groups as a thank-you to producers, musical directors and societies who gave me the opportunity to acquire so much knowledge of production and music, and the enjoyment and satisfaction of seeing the shows come to life.
"I also would like to thank the Rowntree Theatre staff for the time and trouble taken to enable me to stage New Venture ballets and musical plays there."
Next weekend's music will include Oklahoma!, Gypsy, The King And I, Song Of Norway, Kiss Me Kate, The Sound Of Music, Desert Song and ballet music from Swan Lake, Les Sylphides, Sleeping Beauty, Coppelia and Nutcracker. Manx and Indian national dances and tap, jazz and ballet complete the programme.
Tickets cost £10, £7.50 or £5 on 0870 606 3590, and profits will go to Martin House Children's Hospice at Boston Spa. In the past, profits have been donated to an infantile paralysis charity, the British Red Cross, Cheshire Homes and Guide Dogs for the Blind.
The Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Janet Looker, and the civic party will attend next Saturday's evening performance.
Updated: 16:33 Thursday, April 21, 2005
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