THE talent and dedication of students at a North-East dance school was showcased at their show-stopping end of year performance.

Youngsters at Dimensions Dance Academy, in Darlington, pulled out all the stops as they performed to a packed crowd at Hummersknott Academy this weekend.

Proud parents watched on as the youngsters, aged from three-years-old to their late teens, took part in dozens of dances, from ballet and contemporary, to tap and street dance.

After the dancers took their bows to a rapturous applause, two scholarships were awarded to pupils Alex Lennie and Taylor Matson who had shown talent and commitment in stage and street dance, respectively.

Northern Echo reporter Hannah Bryan also had the difficult task of judging the award for most outstanding performer of the evening.

After much deliberation she awarded the Harry and Mary Stephenson Memorial Trophy to ten-year-old Rowan Tyler, with five-year-old Bella Wood coming a close second.

“I was spoilt for choice as all the dancers were incredibly talented, and it was really hard to choose just one winner,” she said.

“Rowan stood out in all his performances as someone who loved what he was doing, and gave 110 per cent all the time.

“It was inspiring to watch and all the dancers should feel really proud of themselves.”

The event also raised money for Macmillan Cancer Support in memory of Harry Stephenson, the late father of the dance school’s owner, Gill Reed, who runs the school with help from her daughters Anna and Katie.

Dance teacher Anna added: “It has been brilliant and has made all the rehearsals worthwhile.

“We have got a great bunch of kids and we are so proud of them all.”

For information on the school call 07709-522-000 or visit dimensionsdance.co.uk