Express & Star

Dance pupils give new twist to Mary Poppins

The classic tale of Mary Poppins was given a new twist by a group of talented young Black Country dancers.

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Joshua Youster, aged 10, Ava Cattell, aged 8, Olivia Gannon(Mary Poppins), aged 16 and Becky Macey, aged 19, from Dance City dance school, Walsall, who starred in a sell out production of Mary Poppins at the Prince of Wales theatre, Cannock.

Dancers from Dance City, based at Northgate Way, Aldridge, gave two sell out shows at the Prince of Wales Theatre in Cannock to mark the end of months of hard work in practice.

The dance school, run by Tracey Dicken, 36, from Aldridge, only puts on shows like this once every two years, focusing on putting pupils through exams for the vast majority of their time.

However, the chance to take their talents out in front of a large crowd brought out the best in pupils.

Ms Dicken said: "We had a great time at the Prince of Wales, selling out was a real achievement for us, especially doing it twice in one day.

"The theme of the show was Mary Poppins but we brought it to life with performances in styles such as tap, Irish, street dancing and more.

"It was a beautiful showcase of our talented dancers work and we are pleased with the success."

The school is now looking for dancers to join it after having to refuse new recruits for a couple of months as they prepared for the Mary Poppins showcase on May 20.

Ms Dicken said: "I would encourage any young person to take up dancing as it teaches them so much on the social side.

"They learn about confidence, discipline and respect as well as giving them a chance to express their talent.

"Even if they don't carry on with dancing if they start early they will remember the lessons for many years."

For more information about Dance City, call 01922 740999 after June 5 or email tracey_dancecity@hotmail.co.uk