Posts Tagged :

flame

Getting into the spirit for London 2012 150 150 mhamer

Getting into the spirit for London 2012

The grand finale featured all the show's participants who were representing all the many dance schools

The grand finale featured all the show's participants who were representing the many dance schools

Irish comedian Jimmy Cricket got into the Olympic spirit when he compered a dance spectacular celebrating the forthcoming London Games.

The famous funnyman was asked to front up the special show which marked the Olympic Torch coming to Southport ahead of London 2012.

Programme front page for the Olympic dance event

Programme front page

It was staged at the Southport Theatre and organised by the Liverpool-based Allied Dancing Association Limited.

Former Olympic gold medallist Dame Mary Elizabeth Peters was a special guest at the event.

The 19 dance schools which took part in the show were: Garswood School of Dance, Vibe Stage Academy, The Stage School, Harlequin Dance Club, Formby School of Dance, Dance Flava, Claire Knight School of Dance, Martins Dance Centre, Excelsior School of Dance, Phoenix School of Dance, Dance Depot, Liverpool Theatre School, Felicia Burns School of Dance, Chriska Stage School, Marshside School of Dance, Southport School of Dance, Crown Dance School, Jade School of Dance and Dance Passion.

Jimmy Cricket on stage

Jimmy on stage

The general secretary of Allied Dancing Association, Carol Parry, invited Jimmy to host the show. They first met last Christmas during Jimmy’s pantomime season at the Civic Theatre in Darlington. Carol’s daughter, Melissa, featured in the Southport Theatre show as a dancer.

Jimmy says: “This was a spectacular show and my hats off to all the organisers of this event for all the hard work they put into it.

“Special praise to one of the principal organisers, Carol Parry, as she was a real driving force behind the show and she worked tirelessly to ensure it was a huge success!”

Photos for this story were taken by Alan at Photos2U