MORE than 500 young people have performed a dance showcase over five nights at Kendal's Brewery Arts Centre this week.

The Brewery Schools Dance Platform has been running for 13 years and has grown into one of the highlights of South Lakeland's cultural calendar - and this year's event was sold out.

With more than 30 schools and seven in-house groups involved, the event demonstrated a wide range of dance styles from traditional folk to street dance to contemporary and everything in between.

The event is part of U.Dance, a national framework that supports dance performance opportunities for young people.

"This year’s event has been full of talent and innovation," said Dance Development Officer Emma Thomas. "We have seen pieces that have been inspired by popular musicals, literature, history, science and film. A whirlwind of ideas and movement!"

"Dance can help deepen the knowledge children learn from the school’s curriculum in so many areas as well as providing physical and social skills. This was evident in many of the pieces created by the schools. We saw the consideration of energy principles, Newton’s apple falling from the tree, the emotions of the evacuees from World War 2 and the exploration of other cultures."

"Six school groups worked with the Brewery Dance Outreach programme to make a piece with one of the Brewery dance teams. This was a fantastic opportunity for the teachers to develop their dance knowledge and for the children to work with exceptional practitioners."

The Brewery Youth Dance Company finished off the week by performing at the Lowry Theatre, Salford Quays in Udance NorthWest 2017, having been selected from a record amount of applications.

"The Brewery Dance Platform is always the highlight of my year but this year’s event exceeded my expectations," said Ms Thomas. "The quality of the work from all the dancers was exceptional, I am so proud of all of them!

"This event allows young people the opportunity to perform on a professional stage to a sold out audience… such a unique experience! We want dance to be open and accessible to all ages and abilities and this event has something for everybody!

"Thank you to all the schools, teachers, leaders, performers and volunteers that make this event possible!"

To find out more or to take part in a dance class contact Emma Thomas on emma.thomas@breweryarts.co.uk 01539 722833 ext 271