AS I arrive on a Thursday afternoon, The Dome is a hub of activity.

Around 130 kids aged from three to 20 are being put through their paces by a team of professionals including tutors from The Royal Ballet and choreographers to acts like Westlife.

Though costing £100 for a five-day intensive course, the kids love it and what's more, their week culminates with a special performance showcase for family and friends.

It's a strict work-out from the word go and although it's
predominately kids from dancing backgrounds that attend the school, youngsters with no experience are welcome too.

But places are limited and the programme is so popular, children from as far as Aberdeen make the trip to Morecambe to get involved.

Cathy Lloyd, from Morecambe, has co-ordinated the summer school for around 18 years and still enjoys watching the children put together a great show.

"The whole week is based on fun and enjoyment," says Cathy.

"All day on Friday the kids are hyper. They just can't wait to do the shows in the evening."

Elaine Johnson from London Theatre Workshops is in charge of choosing the routines and music for the kids.

"There's a lot of talent here," she says.

"And I'd rather see 130 kids in here than out on the street
wondering what to do.

"The teachers are fantastic and coming here is a huge confidence boost for the kids."

Twenty-year-old Janine Konczak from Blackburn is one of the oldest kids on the programme and has been attending every year since she was five.

"We always put an amazing show together," says an enthusiastic Janine.

"It's always fun and we get to work with some amazing teachers. It's not an opportunity you get every day."

Sixteen year-old Rosie Bates from Morecambe agrees.

"I'm hoping to go into the industry and this gives you some insight into what it's like."

Jamie Tibke, 15 from Morecambe, is one of 13 boys on the programme.
"It's not all girly," says Jamie.

"Whenever people think of dancing they always think of ballet and stuff but it isn't like that. It's great exercise for starters.

"With typical boys sports like rugby and football you have to be strong but with dancing you have to have stamina, be strong and be flexible."

Elaine Johnson continues: "It's things like High School Musical that have made dancing a kids' market and it shows the boys dancing is not a bad thing to do.

"I mean, if you were a boy at 14 wouldn't you want to spend your time in a room with loads of beautiful 16 and 17 year old girls?"

The 'babies' section of the summer school seem to love it too and future dancing stars get an early chance to be taught by the best.

"It's a long, hard day for the little ones," says Cathy Lloyd.

"And with them being so young they don't have the concentration span."
"But 'Auntie' Ann Chadwick has chaperoned the babies for 15 years and they all seem to love it."

Dance tutor Greg Pichery has appeared in Singing in the Rain and West Side Story in London's West End but gets great pleasure in teaching Morecambe dancers the ropes.

"It's great because the kids here want to do it.

"It gives them a chance to work with people they wouldn't normally come across and they all do brilliantly."