GROUPS of dancers have taken to the stage at Darlington Hippodrome to showcase their talent.

Following the success of a mass dance in the Market Square they performers were invited to take part in the Darlington Dance Festival Association’s (DDFA) annual event.

The performance was enjoyed in two shows, with a special opening by STAGE, who are a group of dancers who also have a learning disability.

Joanne Scott, DDFA chairperson said: “This year’s theme was ‘This is me’, challenging Inequality, and we wanted to show how everyone can enjoy dance, no matter what your background. We want to encourage people to be comfortable in their own body, to recognise everyone is different. We want to celebrate that – it’s ok to just be you.”

Sarah Small, DDFA treasurer added: “We had 22 groups involved this year including St Aidan’s C of E Academy, and the winners of this year’s Schools dance festival – Northwood Primary School, Whinfield Primary School, Mount Pleasant Primary School and Corporation Road Community Primary School. It was so special to see them perform as part of our showcase.”

This showcase and the mass dance, which has been going since 2011, is funded by contributions from local dance schools and through support from Darlington Borough Council, CBD Productions for providing the sound at the mass dance events, Scott Akoz Photography, Pauline Pentony Photography and sponsorship from Pearsons Design and Print.