Gotta dance ...

We want to dance! That's the cry from budding Billy Elliots in Telford.

One in five youngsters in the borough want to take up dancing. And they are calling on Telford & Wrekin Council to help them cut a dash on the ballroom floor.

With dance fever sweeping the country – largely due to BBC TV's Strictly Come Dancing show – teenagers are desperately keen to learn.

A survey by the council's creative arts team shows dancing at the number one spot in the youth wishlist.

Music and drama were other favourites, while two thirds of young people secretly dream of becoming a magician, a drummer or a graffiti artist.

Pam Cadwaladr, principal of Cadwaladr School of Dance in Church Street, Wellington, said she had not seen a big influx of people joining her school, but people had kept up their interest. The school teaches ballet, modern, tap and street dance.

"I have about 200 students and we have classes throughout the week," she said.

Nicola Carmichael, principal of Carmichael School of Dance in Holyhead Road, Oakengates, which has 450 members, said: "If it's done for the right reasons it gives children the opportunity.

"If they don't have the opportunity they don't know if they've got the skill. Dancing is healthy, good for self-esteem and to build up friendships. None of our numbers have dropped, it's as popular as it's ever been."

The survey was the first step in a Find Your Talent project run by the council with cash from the Government, Arts Council and other bodies.

The three-year scheme hopes to encourage youngsters to enjoy arts and culture.

The council is promising to help all young people up to the age of 19 find their talent.

Julie Jones, Telford & Wrekin Council creative arts manager, said: "It's pleasing dancing has struck such a chord."

Councillor Stephen Burrell, lead member on children and young people, said: "It is fantastic the Find Your Talent initiative is identifying young people's desires and aspirations in this way."nextpage

Senior dancers at the Carmichael School of Theatre Arts nextpageYoungsters at the Gaston Payne School of Dance in Telford