TALENTED gymnasts and dancers from Swindon Academy lit up the stage at the Wyvern Theatre this week as they showed off their abilities at their annual show.

Over 200 pupils from both the secondary and primary school showed off their best moves in what was a sold-out showcase on Tuesday evening which is now in its eighth year.

Children from as young as four up to teenagers took part and the night was deemed a resounding success according to head of PE, Danielle Boucher.

“It is a massive production and always sells out which is great,” she added.

“The ability range is right from beginner all the way through to the elite level and it is a great show to showcase everyone.

“They spend the entire day up until the show rehearsing and while it is a long day, it is putting them in a professional environment."

Rehearsals for the show started last year with some pupils using the showcase as part of their GCSE mark.

After both the gymnastics and dancing groups performed to a variety of popular music, a finale involving all pupils wowed crowds with an impressive pyrotechnics display and glitter cannon.

Danielle added: “It is nice that in rehearsals they are able to watch everyone else because when the show is on, everything is a bit manic.

“All the pupils are taught about respect and are encouraged to cheer one another both during the show and rehearsal. In a professional sense, they are very good at moving on if things don’t go right but they work on it for next time.

“Some of the pupils are participating as part of their lessons whereas others are doing it as an extra-curricular activity. The progress they make in a year is quite remarkable for some.

“After the show we try to have a reflection session so everyone can talk to one another about how they felt it went and really they don’t waste any time but just get on with rehearsing for next year’s show.”

The money raised through ticket sales to the show goes towards putting on the event at the Wyvern where it has been held for the last four years.