LEIGH dance students are set to jazz up the stage of the Royal Albert hall with a Motown-inspired routine.

Talented dance students from Expressions Theatre Arts, based in London Road, Leigh, are preparing to take the stage of the famous venue at Dance Proms on November 15.

The 24 students, aged between ten and 18 are one of just 22 acts chosen from over 200 entries to take to the stage in front of an audience of dance lovers, talent spotters and celebrity patrons, including Strictly Come Dancing judge Darcey Bussell, Matt Flint and Arlene Philips.

Their dance, Celebrating Motown, is a fun-filled, highenergy jazz dance celebrating the careers and music of some of America’s most iconic performers.

They will be joined on the iconic stage by dancers from as far afield as Norway and Italy and other young dancers performing in a range of other genres such as tap, street dance and Latin.

The students’ teachers Emma Felton and Rebecca Hood said: “Expressions Theatre Arts is extremely proud to be performing alongside some of the best dance companies and schools in the world. Thank you Dance Proms for letting us be a part of this special evening.”

Darcey Bussell added: “Every year I attend the Dance Proms at the Royal Albert Hall, which never fails to impress me.

“The young dancing talent on display is of such high standard, and Expressions Theatre Arts will make a great addition to the line-up this year.

“My advice to all the performing dancers is to enjoy the experience.”

Maddy Gladman, sales and marketing director of Capezio Europe – Dance Proms lead sponsor, said: “It is such a magnificent event for the world of dance, combining every genre possible.

Capezio encourages its young patrons to embrace an active and graceful attitude to dance.”

To qualify for Dance Proms, dance teachers submitted a short dance piece featuring original choreography in any genre and performed as a solo, couple, trio or group.

Entries were submitted online by video and selected by a panel including artistic directors and senior examiners from the world of dance.

Dance Proms, this year sponsored by Capezio, was established to celebrate dance in all its forms and the unique relationship between students and their dance teachers.