THE Harlequin Stage School in Yarm is the only school on Teesside to have been invited to take part in the International Dance Teachers' Association (IDTA) Gala of Dance 2002, to be held at the Newcastle Opera House, in Westgate Road, Newcastle.

Pupils from 15 of the North's dance and stage schools will take part in the IDTA gala on Sunday, at 7pm.

The 17 Harlequin pupils, aged between seven and 20 years, will be performing 2002 - A Space Odyssey, using music from the films 2001 - A Space Odyssey and ET.

The school, in Bridge Street, Yarm, gives dance classes in ballet, modern dance, tap, disco, and also offers a comprehensive syllabus of stagecraft for pupils aged from three years.

For more information, contact the principal, Barbara-Anne Lloyd-Wallis, on (01642) 789045