Chance to dance

YOUNGSTERS taking part in Dance Manchester's STRIDE project which is coming to Oldham

A DANCE project is hoping to put a spring in the step of Oldham's budding Billy Elliots when it visits the borough in February.

Young men's dance project STRIDE will be stepping into schools to bring workshops before staging auditions for a performance at a famous cultural institution at Easter.

A try out will then be held at Gallery Oldham on February 20, between 6-8pm, followed by weekly creative studio sessions and rehearsals for the grand finale.

Past shows have been held at Royal Exchange Theatre and The Whitworth and Victoria Baths. They've also performed nationally and internationally in Birmingham and in Heilbronn, Germany and participated in major events from Dance Manchester's Urban Moves International Dance Festival through to performing at Old Trafford football stadium in front of 80,000 people for the Rugby World Cup.

Alongside professional dancers from Manchester's only touring dance company, Company Chameleon, the selected 10 to 20 year-olds will be given a unique opportunity to learn to dance.

Organisers of the free project - which is run by charity, Dance Manchester - say places are not chosen on ability alone and previous dance experience isn't necessary.

STRIDE has been running across Greater Manchester since 2009, involving over 5,400 young men and having life-changing results for participants.

It gives those taking part an opportunity to take a path in life they may otherwise have never had, but most importantly, the STRIDE youngsters say it's so much fun to be part of.

For more information go to www.dancemanchester.org.uk.