HIP-hop dancers showed the Earl of Wessex the latest moves as he officially opened a multi-million-pound venue in Bournemouth.

Touring the seafront’s Pavilion Dance centre on Thursday, Prince Edward looked in on youngsters rehearsing for an upcoming gala on Sunday, November 7.

As he unveiled a commemorative plaque, bosses handed the delighted Prince a gift of lifetime membership.

The Royal visitor said: “Congratulations to everybody who saw the opportunity to do something different here and see it through.

“From what I’ve seen today you’re certainly trying to bring it to life and it’s terrific to be here.”

The Prince was even treated to an exclusive performance by the award- winning Avant Garde Dance Company in the 200-seat theatre.

Avant Garde’s artistic director, Tony Adgun, said: “The facilities here are second to none. It doesn’t really feel like a building with walls – the sea is part of it and it’s a joy to work here.”

The development is a partnership between Dance South West, Arts Council England, Bournemouth Borough Council and BH Live.

Kate Castle, Dance South West’s executive director, says more than 2,000 people flocked to classes at the centre on its first weekend.

She said: “I’d always imagined this as a space, rather than being a dark derelict part of the Pavilion, being somewhere full of light, colour, movement and music.

“And that’s exactly what’s happened.”

The centre is for all ages. Dancers Deanna Speed-Rearedon and Tia Quinn, pictured below left, were excited to meet the Prince.

Deanna, 11 said: “It’s been amazing. We love it here – you can make up your own moves and really be yourself.”

Chatting to the crowd outside, the Prince was surprised to find how far some of them had come. “What? Are you all from Wales?” he joked.