A PERFORMING group from California is inspiring youngsters in Stockton this week.

The Young Americans, a non-profit all-singing, all-dancing troupe, is putting on a performance along with 200 schoolchildren from across the Stockton area tomorrow (Wednesday, March 12) at North Shore Academy in the town.

The show will feature well-known pop and R’n’B hits, with pupils dancing and singing alongside the team of 45 Young Americans. Intensive rehearsals have only been going on since Monday – and tomorrow parents and school friends will come to watch the show.

The group was founded in 1962 and became the USA’s first show choir to mix choreography with singing, featuring young people aged 16 to 25.

Now it focuses on education and gets involved with schools around the world.

Kayleigh Stringer, music teacher at North Shore, said students from nine years old to 14 years old from schools across the Stockton area were involved in the show.

She said: “The Young Americans are just so good with the pupils. Their enthusiasm is infectious and they just can’t help but be inspired by them. It’s great for their self-confidence as well as their performing skills.”