Dancers from the Finch School of Dancing delighted audiences all of last week at the Sidmouth Manor Pavilion Theatre.

Burn it Up! showcased all the dance styles that the school teaches.

In this year’s Sidmouth show, the youngest student in the pre-primary ballet group was just three years old.

Unfazed, the group enchanted a packed house with a scene from Beauty and the Beast, which also featured an accomplished solo vocal performance from Danielle Hayes as Belle.

As with every recent Finch show, the mastermind is the principal Lucy Ford who has run the school since taking over from her mother Angela who opened Finch in Devon in 1984.

Their hard work really paid off, the performance sparkled with humour in a wonderfully cheeky performance of Naughty by the Primary and Grade I tap class (aged five to nine years), sumptuous and inspired costumes, especially in the numbers Asian Fusion and Singin’ in the Rain, outstanding choreography and great technical skill from all involved, notably by the senior dancers in the dramatic Masquerade Waltz.

The performance has impressed the packed house of parents, families, friends and dance fans.

Vicki Lawrence said: “The show is so well put together, involving children from a variety of ages.

“My now six-year-old also performed at the last show aged four.

“She absolutely loves the atmosphere.”

Steph Clark commented: “My daughter was buzzing with excitement, each and every time she came off stage, she enjoyed every minute.

“The atmosphere was electric.”

Speaking on Saturday, Emma Farrant added: “I know my daughter is sad that it will all be over, after tonight’s finale - they have all shone and been outstanding - a truly lovely group of girls who clearly love dancing together.”

After a week-long run, the final curtain fell on Burn it Up! on Saturday (June 2) evening and as the Finch team roll up the dance floor, Lucy can reflect on all the months of work that went into creating the show.

Andrew Johnstone