DANCERS from York are taking part in a pioneering new dance theatre which will present its first show this weekend at the Grand Opera House.

Students from the new Yorkshire Youth Dance Theatre, a scheme for dancers aged between eight and 18, will present A Celebration of Dance at York's Grand Opera House on Friday and Saturday.

More than 100 dancers will be taking part in this weekends premier for the company which includes two jazz pieces choreographed by Wayne Sleep and Eric Carpenter.

Ex-Royal Ballet dancer Heather Walker and Clare Ingleby, have directed a ballet Les Sylphides for an advanced group of dancers. Victoria Westall, well-known ex-Northern Ballet Theatre dancer, has choreographed a ballet to Glazunov's Four Seasons and a group of 12 to 15-year-olds will perform a piece called English Dances, created by another ex-Royal Ballet dancer Sue Robinson.

Mrs Armstrong added: "We have creamed the best dancers from all the schools around the region and presented them with an exciting task and fantastic opportunity to perform to such a high standard."

Friday and Saturday night performances start at 7.30pm and a matinee performance on Saturday starts at 2.30pm.

For tickets contact the box office on 01904 671818.