A BOURNEMOUTH-based stage school has commemorated its 40th anniversary with a production entitled, A Time to Celebrate.

The Stage Door School of Dance and Drama saw 235 young performers aged from 3 years-of-age up to 70 years old, take to the stage at the De La Salle Theatre at St Peter’s School in Bournemouth.

More than 900 people sat in the audience to watch the performance and were dazzled by the dance pupils’ talent, professionalism and diversity of training.

Dance Director Julie Headford said: “From the spectacle of 80 ballerinas dressed in tutus, mainly aged five and under, to It’s A Small World After All and excerpts from Lion King, Wicked and The Wizard of Oz, there was something for everyone.

“It was a professionally staged, well rehearsed and beautifully costumed show and a credit to all those involved.”

Presentations in song and dance including ballet, tap, flamenco, Irish and Bollywood were also included and ex-student David Morgan acted as compere.

Celebrity Chris Jarvis, who appeared in this year’s Pavilion Theatre pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, is patron of the dance and drama school and watched the performance before joining the students on stage to congratulate them on their hard work for the performance.

A Time to Celebrate also raised money for two worthy causes and a cheque for £1,400 will each go to Macmillan Support and Motor Neurone Disease Awareness Society.

The Stage Door School of Dance and Drama has branch schools in Bransgore, Sopley and Christchurch.

For more information, go to: Stagedoordance.co.uk.