FIFTY-TWO students from the Helen Howard School of Theatre Dance will perform at the Royal Albert Hall in London on Monday.

The dancers, aged between ten and 18, will join youngsters from about 20 dance schools from across the country for a show called The Stars In The Round.

Organised by Mardi Gras Dance, it aims to give dancers the chance to perform on one of the most prestigious stages in the world.

It will be the Helen Howard School's sixth performance for the Mardi Gras Dance – its students have performed twice at Sadler's Wells Theatre in London and three times at the Royal Albert Hall.

Helen, who set up the school in 1999, said: "The students are very, very excited about the performance and I know that it will be an experience they will never forget.

"We have 52 dancers performing in one routine. All the students are from our classes in Low Bentham and Settle. They have been joining together once a week to have a big group class and to learn the routine, which is entitled Bombay Dreams.

"I feel very privileged as a teacher, as I have so many wonderful students, who are all so dedicated and enthusiastic. Despite the age range, they work so well together and really do look after each other.

"They have worked very hard to raise money to buy the costumes for the show and have held all sorts of events, ranging from cake stalls and sponsored swims to – with the help from parents and grandparents – quiz nights and domino drives.

"We would like to thank everyone who has helped us to raise the money to perform at the Royal Albert Hall and once again are so grateful for the support we get, not only from the parents of our students, but also from the local community."

The school also performs locally, at galas, school fetes and community shows, and has also taken part in shows at Manchester Opera House and Blackpool Winter Gardens.