MORE than 200 youngsters from secondary schools across Cumbria wowed at an annual dance festival.

Pupils performed to a packed audience at Theatre by the Lake, in Keswick, for U Dance Cumbria.

The non-competitive event is organised by Cumbria County Council and brings together pupils of all ages to perform and celebrate their achievements in dance.

It supports schools to create high quality creative dance within the curriculum and to celebrate this through performance.

Pupils and teachers have the opportunity to see each other’s work, share practice, raise aspirations and celebrate achievement.

Lynn Barnes, U Dance co-ordinator said: "The secondary schools' U Dance performance is always the one that takes my breath away.

"All the young people involved give 110 per cent and there’s an amazingly supportive atmosphere throughout the theatre.

"Even if you don’t have a child performing it’s a real treat to watch."

Secondary schools taking part were Newman Catholic School in Carlisle, Caldew School in Dalston, Appleby Grammar School, The Lakes School in Windermere, Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Penrith, The Queen Katherine School in Kendal, Keswick School and Dowdales School in Dalton-in-Furness.

They were joined on stage by Cumbrian students from the North West Centre for Advanced Training, Cumbria Youth Dance Company, Eden Youth Dance Company and Eden Boyz Moves.

Several performers will be moving on to study dance at a higher level and are considering careers in dance.

The festival will continue at The Carnegie Theatre in Workington, on March 26, with primary schools from Copeland and Allerdale taking part, and at the Sands Centre, Carlisle, on April 26 and 27, with primary schools from Carlisle and Eden.