Dancers step out for Telford Dance Festival

An innovative Shropshire dance group will take its final curtain tonight at a celebration of performing talent.

Blue Eyed Soul, which integrates disabled and able bodied dancers into its performances, is being wound up after losing funding in last year's Arts Council cuts.

Tonight the company will take to the take for one last time at the last night of the annual Telford Dance Festival, which brings together professional companies, performing arts schools and local pupils to showcase their dance skills.

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The festival opened last night at Oakengates Theatre @ The Place and finishes tonight with eight more schools and companies.

Also taking to the stage tonight will be the Herefordshire-based 2Faced company, a cutting edge crew of male urban contemporary dancers who combine athleticism with art and entertainment.

The company's Like Youth Dance group Envision will be performing at the festival tonight.

Artistic director Rachel Freeman said: "Demand for inclusive dance work remains high, and we are committed to continuing the work that has been so successful.

"I will carry on working as an independent dance artist, and Rachel Liggitt, our training and education co-ordinator will work as an independent dance artist."

On show last night were Hadley Learning Community, Apley Wood Primary School, Malasa School of Dance, Newdale Primary School, Gaston Payne Dance School, Southall School, Rhiannon Hughes, Sutherland School, New College, Madeley Academy, 2Faced Dance Company.

Tonight, as well as Blue Eyed Soul and 2Faced, dancers from Miss Debbie's Dance School, Dance2gether, St Peters School, Edgmond, Malasa School of Dance, Gaston Payne Dance School and New College will be stepping out.