Article by:
Stephanie Brawn
More than 2,000 Darreners danced their socks off with West End stars this weekend at the third instalment of Darwen Dance Live.
Darwen Vale High School, Spring Vale Methodist Church and St James’ Primary School welcomed some of the biggest names from the dance world through their doors including Carrie Ellis who has been starring in West End shows such as Chicago, Fiddler on the Roof and Cats for 37 years.
Carrie was joined by fellow professionals Martin Dutton, Olivia Higham and Craig Wharmby who all delivered a variety of workshops throughout the weekend as well as a showcase and bursary award scheme where £400 was given away to the winners.
Organiser and town councillor Vicky Rothwell said that the weekend was “sensational” and she could not believe the amount of talent that Darwen had.
She said: “If I had to use one word to describe the weekend it would be sensational, the talent in this town is absolutely outstanding.
“We have had people coming from Chorley and Preston and all over the county and I’d say we’ve had well over 2,000 people involved from little kids, boys and girls, right through to people in their 40s.
“The professionals said that the showcase we put on was like a West End show and they had a really tough time trying to choose winners for the bursary.
“I’d like to thank Darwen Vale, St James’ School and Spring Vale for having us and to Action Factory Arts as well for working with the children. Roll on 2017.”
The group winners of the bursary award were Dance Factory, Rothwell Arts Elite Allstars and Ktz Dance.
Individual winners were Megan Rigby, Lucy Townsend and Emily Rolfe.
Workshops focused on musicals such as The Lion King and Cats and a variety of dance styles including such as ballet and street dance.
In addition to the workshops stallholders were out selling dance gear, jewellery, perfumes and much more.
The fourth Darwen Dance Live is set to take place on the first weekend of July next year.
Log in with Google