Hot shoe show beat the freeze

Jump to the beat . . . local dance groups with Claire Goddard (centre), who raised £250 for the OL8 Dance Steppers

OLDHAM children battled through the snow to take part in a sizzling dance marathon.

More than 650 pupils from 23 primary and secondary schools across Oldham gathered at the Pakistani Community Centre to showcase their skills in a dance extravaganza.

Youngsters took their inspiration from all over the world as bhangra, Bollywood, retro and street dance came together in a series of show-stopping performances.

Dance development officer for Oldham Council, Danny Price, has been visiting schools across the borough firing up enthusiasm for dance and teaching the children different routines, which they performed on stage on the day.

He said: “When children weren’t performing on stage or cheering on the other schools, they were being taught new routines on the floor. It was dance mayhem.”

Later in the day it was the turn of local community dance groups to stage their own shows, with one participant having even more reason than most to be proud of herself.

Claire Goddard, whose daughter Shania dances with the OL8 Dance Steppers at the ARC Community Centre, raised £250 for the group, after agreeing to join the youngsters on stage in return for sponsorship.




Snow and ice delayed the countdown to a major talent contest in Saddleworth.



Seventeen contestants — fewer than expected — came forward to register in the Saddleworth's Got Talent competition at Boarshurst Band Club, Greenfield.

But for artists who have not yet got back their completed forms — either because of the weather or last minute hesitancy — the closing date is not until February 14.

A first prize of £200 is offered and the winner can stage a live performance at Oldham Carnival on June 27.

Audition days are on March 7, March 14 and 21, between 10 am and 4pm. For further information contact organiser and club manager Linda Finan on 01457 875836 or 07868 721269.