TWO dance groups will be waltzing across the Wyvern stage to entertain as part of a charity concert this month.

The Swindon Dance Youth Academy and the Swindon Dance Urban Youth Academy will be presenting two pieces choreographed by senior education and access officer Emma Langhorne, and professional dancer and teacher Richard Banxy Banks, both from the town hall dance studios in Regent Circus.

The groups will be dancing for the Mayor of Swindon Rex Barnett’s variety concert on January 21 at the Wyvern Theatre in aid of his chosen charities.

Emma said: “All the dancers are very committed and looking forward to the concert.

“They enjoy performing at the Wyvern and are very excited. I will keep working them hard.’’ For the concert the dancers in the youth academy will be performing a contemporary piece of theatre. Emma said: “They will be dancing to Eminem by the Vitamin string quartet.

“It is rocking out with your own twist. The theme behind it is based on celebrity culture, fame, fortune and getting to the top.’’ The urban youth group will be an energetic piece in the hip-hop, street dance style made popular in Swindon by Banxy.

The hip-hop king, originally from Park South, has been a professional dancer for 25 years, performing on BBC TV’s Top of the Pops with stars such as George Michael.

And he taught dance moves to Flawless, who appeared on Britain’s Got Talent last year.

The youth academy is a centre for advanced training of talented dancers and is accessible through audition only.

It is open to 13-19 year-olds who meet weekly to develop creative techniques, choreographic and performance skills.

Emma said: “It was started 12 years ago by Helen Gamberg and dancers come from as far afield as Bristol, Oxford all along the M4 corridor.

“It has earned a good name. We work with professional companies and cover such styles as contemporary, street, Samba and many others.’’ For tickets to the Smile variety concert which starts at 7.30pm call 01793 524481 or visit the website at www.wyvern theatre.org.uk.

l Smile, the mayor of Swindon’s charity concert is in aid of the Prospect Hospice in its 30th year, The Willows counselling service and CALM Other acts performing on Friday January 21 at the Wyvern Theatre are: Pegasus Brass Band, magician John Williams, SALOS light opera society, Mr Love And Justice folk pop band, Swindon Talent winners: Jahmene Douglas, Jade Wilkinson and Samantha Maybee, Commonweal and Isambard School pupils and The Wilkes Academy of Performing Arts.