ABOUT 250 pupils from a dance school based in Andover are coming together for a huge dance event to raise money for a local charity.

The students from Suzanne School of Dancing based at the Andover Leisure Centre will perform at The Lights Theatre on February 25, 26 and 27 to raise money for Andover charity Kids on Track.

The event is named ‘It’s Show Time’.

This is the first event organised by the Suzanne School since the passing of their honorary principal Grace Hicks last year.

READ MORE: Tributes paid to Andover dance teacher Grace Hicks

Carol Johnson, one of the teachers at the school, said the team is thrilled and delighted to be able to finally put on the show.

“We did our last show in 2020, and the fortnight after that, we into lockdown. We were extremely back then,” Carol said.

“We feel very blessed to run this one for the children as it is a real learning curve for them. It gives them an opportunity to stand on a real stage with lighting. It’s what they dance for.

“It’s also an opportunity to raise money once again for a charity, which we have been doing for many years.”

The Suzanne School puts together the big dance show once every two years. All the proceeds from the show after costumes and running costs go to a charity.

The teachers give their time to the school voluntarily.

However, the preparations for this year's event have not been easy for the team.

“We have been quite a bit by covid, and some children had to miss classes,” Carol said.

“But generally, the students who were able to come have worked really hard. We have finally got all dancers in place now, and we’re polishing them ready for the final performances.”

The Suzanne School of Dancing is the longest-running dance school in Andover, and was founded just after the Second World War by Suzanne Edney.

Grace Hicks, who passed away last year, had been the principal of the school for more than 50 years.

Having had her first lesson with the school in 1947, she quickly fell in love with dancing, and became a dance teacher there. Grace worked her way up the ranks until she became the principal of the school in 1966.

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She celebrated her 50th anniversary as principal in 2016, and has taught countless pupils over the years including all four current teachers.

This year, the students are putting together some of her favourite Broadway shows and musicals as a tribute.

The tickets for the event are available at The Lights box office.

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