FLAILING arms and twisted necks were commonplace when the members of Swindon Dance performed in their Youth Summer School production under the guidance of award-winning choreographer John Ross.

The showcase performance took place in Swindon Dance's main theatre after a week of rehearsals which began each morning with a warm up, followed by games where participants looked at different ways of using voices and movement to create stories.

Originally from Dundee, John, 28 is a choreographer, movement director and performer. He trained at the London Contemporary Dance School and in 2015 he was named as one of the BBC Performing Arts Fund’s 32 Ones to Watch.

The trained actor who jumped ship to study dance at the age of 19 went on to win Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures.

Keen to experiment between art forms, he partnered up with Prime Theatre to launch an inclusive Youth Summer School at Swindon Dance, one not only open to fledgling dancers but young actors too.

"Some of the students had never done dance before," said John.

"Some had never done theatre. I just wanted to show them the possibilities, understand how their bodies move."

Ove five days of rehearsals the 27 youngsters collaborated on a performance blending dance, theatre and spoken word and on Friday they unveiled the fruit of their labour to friends and family in their final production.

And although many of them didn't expect to be doing somersaults by the end of the week they were all assured they would gain confidence and an insight into the world of a professional dancer.

John said the week was physically and mentally draining but he was always confident of the outcome.