Dance Flash, an annual theatrical institution for 53 years, may be taking its final bow in York next week.

Dance teacher Isobel Dunn and fellow dancers during a dress rehearsal of Dance Flash

Doyen of dance teaching Isobel Dunn is looking to sell her school and retire. She is fearful that the latest performance of Dance Flash will be the last in its present form.

The show, at Joseph Rowntree Theatre next Wednesday, Thursday and Friday boasts its usual variety of dance styles.

Miss Dunn's adult and child pupils will put on a programme which includes the Blue Danube Ballet, a cheer leaders routine and Millennium Jazz.

As for her dancing school, Miss Dunn, now 75, wants to make way for someone younger.She said: "I would like a younger owner to take the school into the 21st century.

"I have had a lot of inquiries to buy the school, but the cost puts people off - we know York rents are high, and for a young teacher they're quite impossible."

She added: "Everyone who has inquired is good and experienced, and would be prepared to work for me, but no one wants responsibility for the whole thing."

She is considering a compromise, where she continues to run the school for a while with younger teachers taking over the more athletic work.

The lease on her studio, above the Early Learning Centre on Market Street, York, runs until 2005.

"Next week's Dance Flash could be the last in its present form," Miss Dunn said. "But as long as I am here we will do shows."

For Dance Flash 99 tickets contact Miss Dunn on (01904) 638666 or (01904) 625469; or the Theatre Royal on (01904) 623568.

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