YOUNG ballerinas performed their best pliés and pirouettes at an inaugural dance competition this weekend.

Around 60 dancers from across the region took part in the Memorial Awards Dance Day at Polam Hall School, in Darlington’s Grange Road today (Sunday, September 21).

The event was organised by four North-East dance tutors in memory of three of the area’s most influential and respected teachers - Joy Beadell, Nora Lycette Fern and Jean McDonnell.

Dancers were split up into three classes according to their ability and coached by Harrogate-based teacher, Anthony Croome, with the best in each group receiving a trophy.

Holly Skiggs took home the prize for grades two to three, while Maddie De Andrade won the prize for grades four and five, and Marnie Byfield took home the overall award in the category for grades six to eight.

Dance teacher and co-organiser Rachel Harrison said: “The four of us wanted to do something in memory of the teachers and we thought this would be a nice idea.

“I was very pleased with the turnout – we have some very talented students in the area.”

The event is set to return next year, with organisers hoping to offer prizes of expert dance tuition to participants.

For more information visit rvhschoolofdance.co.uk