Dancers have a ball with ‘Strictly’ contestants

MEMBERS of a Frome theatre school recently shared a stage with Strictly Come Dancing house dancers and celebrity contestants at the Merlin Theatre’s fundraising Spring Ball.

The ball was held as a fundraiser for the Merlin Theatre and Papyrus, a charity supporting young people at risk of suicide. It was attended by special guests from  the hit BBC show, Strictly Come Dancing, including Kevin and Karen Clifton, Carol Kirkwood and Martin Roberts, as well as local MP David Warburton.

Performers from Frome’s Tri.Art Dance Academy performed their best jive moves in routine choreographed by Tri.Art teacher Sarah Wingrove. They were also treated to a  ‘breathtaking’ jive from the Strictly stars themselves.

Principal of Tri.Art Academy, Amy Morgan-Bell said, “It was a true honour to be invited by the Merlin Theatre to perform on such an important and special occasion. Our dancers work tirelessly throughout the year and this was not only an opportunity to showcase their wonderful talent, but to reward them for their commitment and dedication to dancing.

“The dancers were so inspired by watching Kevin and Karen perform, and in return danced absolutely beautifully. I couldn’t have been more proud of them all, a truly memorable and special evening.

“What was also very touching was the generosity in spirit of Kevin and Karen, who afterwards spent time congratulating and admiring our dancers’ outfits, partying on the dance floor with them.

“Then, most excitingly, at the end of the evening they offered to come back soon and teach a workshop at the Dance Academy – we were blown away!

“The duo even had time for a dance with Tri.Art director Claudia Pepler!”

For more information about the academy and the classes it runs in Frome, email Amy at tri.arttheatreschool@gmail.com