LOCAL dance talent stepped into the limelight in a South Lakeland showcase of ballet, modern dance, tap, jazz and acrobatics.

The Milnthorpe-based Rigney Bank Ballet School staged its biennial 'The Best of Britain' Show at Kendal Leisure Centre.

It featured more than 200 dancers across all age groups who performed four shows each lasting two-and-a-half hours.

“Adrenaline was buzzing right through the show," said Jayne Mills, principal of Rigney Bank Ballet School. "Main thing for me was that everybody was enjoying themselves and being the best they can be while reaching their full potential.”

There was additional excitement as prior to the show when Her Majesty the Queen sent a message offering her ‘best wishes to all those performing in the show for a most enjoyable event.’

“I am so proud and love that all these young dancers are building treasured memories," said Ms Mills. "The thrill of receiving a good luck message from the Queen was an added bonus.”

The showcase featured numbers inspired by The Great British Bake Off, Dr Who, Cluedo, Jane Austen, the Spice Girls and as well as a tribute to David Bowie.

“All of the dancers were my highlights of the showcase”, Ms Mills said. “The three-year-olds and the soloists are just as important to me as they enjoy their special moment.”

Older students at Rigney Bank contributed to the production and ‘a great team of mums’ made the costumes.

The showcase also held additional performances by former students who were now training elsewhere following successful auditions.

These dancers included Anna-May Dixon and Hermione MacMillan-Clare, Junior associates of the Birmingham-bassed Elmhurst Ballet School, Iona Webster from Associate of Ballet West Scotland and Cumbria Youth Dance Company, and Ruby Pearce from Associate of Merseyside Dance and Drama. : “It’s great to see so much local talent in Cumbria," said Ms Mills. "You just never know where dance will take you.”