YOUNG dancers from across the region take to the stage at The Dukes tomorrow night (Friday, May 21) and Saturday, when the Lancaster venue hosts the 2010 Lancashire Youth Dance Festival.

Included in the dynamic and innovative weekend will be Kirkby Lonsdale’s Queen Elizabeth School (Friday), Kendal’s Brewery Youth Dance (Saturday), and (also on Saturday) Ludus Youth Dance Company, the fledging arm of Lancaster-based Ludus Dance, Britain’s longest established international dance in education company, which was founded in 1975.

Each night will feature a dazzling mix of styles, showcasing the up-and-coming movers and shakers from around the area.

The energetic gathering highlights more than a year of collaborative events between The Dukes and Ludus Dance. A partnership which has, in conjunction with the Nuffield Theatre and Lancaster City Council, strengthened the strategic development of dance participation and performance in and around the city.

Festival organiser Hannah Robertshaw said that the event provided a unique opportunity for young dancers in the area to celebrate their artistic and creative abilities: She added: “The weekend will include engaging workshops in site specific dance, dance for camera and various other dance styles, which will offer the young people involved the chance to gain new experiences.”

Ludus Dance presents high quality issue-based contemporary dance performances, specifically designed for young people and audiences new to dance and tours nationally and internationally.

Box office 01524-598500.