DANCERS from Julie Scott’s Academy were left in tears on Saturday night after their performance at the Christmas lights switch-on was cut half way through.

Onlookers in Wharf Green thought a technical problem was to blame for the group’s abrupt ending to their scheduled six-minute dance, which was stopped after just two and a half minutes.

Crowds got behind the 12 girls by clapping, in hope of getting the track running again but, to the confusion of the audience and the dancers, they were ushered off the stage and the presenters thanked them for their performance.

The academy immediately took to Facebook to vent anger at organisers inSwindon, claiming they never had the opportunity to go back on stage to finish their dance, which they believe was cut short on purpose.

Dance teacher Deena Lovegrove said the school provided the six-minute track via email last month, as requested, but was told the sound technicians only had a three-minute track to play.

Deena said: “The girls really wanted to work towards this performance because it was a huge opportunity.

“We have been planning the performance for six months, around the fairy tale theme to link it with the panto, and that isn’t something we would normally do because our style is street dancing and rock ‘n’ roll. It was a big challenge.

“I don’t know what happened because we played the track from the email before we performed to rehearse and it was fine.

“I don’t know if they didn’t download it properly but if they listened to the track, you would see that wasn’t the ending.

“They [the dancers] were told to pick up their stuff and get off the stage.

“The main thing is the way the girls felt. We don’t want to blame anyone but they feel devastated and completely deflated.”

inswindon BID’s chief executive Di Powell said: “The Christmas lights switch-on was a great event for the town at the weekend and we’re very grateful to all the performers and everyone who came along and supported it.

“However, there was a problem which meant the dancers from the Julie Scott’s Dance Academy were unable to finish their routine, which left many of them disappointed and upset.

“There was a fault with the music track duration which as a result meant that the Julie Scott dancers were unable to finish their performance. We apologise unreservedly for this and fully appreciate the effort that went into rehearsing and preparing for the event.

“We have worked with Julie Scott dancers for many of our events as we believe in showcasing local talent. They have always been professional and outstanding performers who we really enjoy working with

“inSwindon BID Company have worked with Julie Scott dancers for many of our events as we believe in showcasing local talent. They have always been professional and outstanding performers who we really enjoy working with.

“It would never be our intention to cause upset and we are meeting with Julie Scott’s Dance Academy this week to find another opportunity to showcase their hard work and dedication in the Swindon town centre.”