Young dancers once again wowed audiences with stunning routines capturing the best of British life, books and music in an energetic showcase from East Devon Dance Academy.
The dance school packed their Triple Fantasy show with captivating choreography performed by a talented cast of 490 students, whose dedication and hard work paid off as they switched from energetic to elegant with ease.
The youngsters, who have been split into two casts, danced their hearts out from beginning to end and from the opening number of Carnaby Street were in the groove to entertain.
The opening act set the scene for the rest of the show in terms of pacing and energy, with the dancers performing a range of styles including jazz, ballet, tap, modern, Irish and contemporary.
There were many highlights in the first hour alone including adorable ballet numbers from the academy’s youngest dancers dressed as Paddington and Winnie The Pooh characters to the more complex Harry Potter sequence and sassy Spice Girl number.
The fast pace of the show was enabled by a brilliant backstage team, who tirelessly worked to assist youngsters who had seconds to turn around outfits to perform in the following number.
The first act ended with a magnificent medley of Queen music, paying homage to the rock band and bringing the curtain down with a real high.
In the second act, the older students came more to the forefront with intricate movement, prop work and characterisation. A particular highlight was the fun homage to the NHS to Gloria Estefan’s Dr Beat, bringing a few chuckles from the crowd.
The remainder of the show switched up the tone with the help of the musical selection, which was well suited for audience of all ages, culminating in a traditional Irish dance number and Take That themed finale.
This year the academy is raising money for Balloons, a charity that works within the Exeter, Mid and East area, offering one-to-one sessions for young people coping with the loss of a loved ones and free activity days to meet others in similar situations.
The show finishes this Saturday (April 6). There are no performances on Thursday. Evening shows start at 7pm and Saturday matinees at 2pm. Tickets cost £14 for adults and £8 for under 12s.
See our gallery of the show here.
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