Hatfield dancers compete in Paris

ELEVEN lucky young students at a Hatfield dance school have headed for France for a prestigious international dance competition.

The youngsters, aged between five and 14, attend the Susan Ford School of Dancing, are now at Disneyland Paris to compete in the annual European Festival of Dance and Performing Arts.

Susan Ford, the owner of the Hatfield Leisure Centre-based school, told the WHT how her students came to be involved in the contest.

She said: "There was an advert in my dance teachers' magazine advertising the competition and I thought the children would really like that.

"I spoke to them and they all jumped at the opportunity."

Ten girls and one boy will be taking part in the festival at the Disneyland Paris Village today.

They will perform two dances, including a routine set to the Pussy Cat Dolls' hit Jai Ho, from the soundtrack of box office smash movie Slumdog Millionaire.

Susan, of Meadway, Colney Heath, admitted she is looking forward to the event.

"There has been a lot of work involved in organising it but I am quite excited about it," she said.

"It is a huge opportunity for the children."

She added: "I am extremely proud of all my members.

"They have worked extremely hard and have given up things to be able to go."

Susan, who is originally from Harare in Zimbabwe, also hopes the competition might become a yearly feature in her school's calendar.

"If the interest is there and children want to do it then I would like it to become an annual event," she said.

* Susan's school teaches a number of dance styles including classical ballet, tap and modern jazz.

It currently has some 250 members aged between three and 73 - however, she is always on the look out for new students.

If you are interested in joining, call Susan on 07860 954178.