A GROUP of young dancers from Swindon took centre stage when they performed before an icon at Disneyland Paris.

A group of 32 students from the Stagecoach Swindon school made their way to Paris for a performance in front of their families and thousands of international visitors as part of the Disney Performing Arts OnStage programme.

As well as the iconic pre-parade in front of Disney’s famous castle, the students - aged between eight and 18 – performed to an eclectic mix of songs, ranging from from Gene Kelly’s Singing in the Rain to Katy Perry’s pop hit, Firework.

Principal of Stagecoach Swindon, Sheryll Fox, said they had all enjoyed the trip in July.

“The students worked hard towards this performance and I was so proud to see them all on stage," she said.

"For many of the students it was their first time performing in front of such a big audience and they were brimming with confidence.

"When I asked the students what their highlights from the experience were, one student summed it up perfectly saying ‘everything was a highlight’.

"We all made life-long memories at Disneyland this summer.”

Now, the Stagecoach Theatre Arts Swindon school is encouraging more local children to get involved in performing arts by hosting a Discovery Day at New College on September 5.

“I have a great team of talented teachers who are keen to get more children involved in Stagecoach classes," Sheryll added.

"Weekly classes can help children build confidence and some of our students have gone on to perform in West End shows such as Billy Elliot."

The Swindon school is part of a network of more than 600 part-time theatre arts schools worldwide. For more information about Swindon Stagecoach, visit www.stagecoach.co.uk/Swindon or call 01793 791 746.