WORLD peace and the importance of family life were the inspiration behind a spectacular dance show.

Almost 160 dancers, from tiny toddlers to experienced adults, performed at Aycliffe Dance Academy’s summer show at the Xcel Centre in Newton Aycliffe.

Record numbers gathered to watch the spectacle, dubbed We Dance As One, on Friday, July 11, and yesterday (Saturday, July 12), with many describing it as the best show to date.

Emma Cox, principal of Aycliffe Dance Academy, said: “This is our fourth show and we have had excellent feedback.

“The children have been working so hard and it was fantastic to see them perform to such a large and appreciative crowd.”

As always, the show featured a range of styles, including tap, street, cheerleading, ballet, acrobatics and musical theatre.

There were also routines to popular music from Disney’s Frozen, Mama Mia, Mission Impossible and Shrek.

However, the highlight of the performance was the grand finale in which every member of the academy danced to John Lennon’s hit song Imagine.

Ms Cox, 25, who also took to the stage, despite only giving birth four weeks ago, said: “The theme was world peace and unity. We started with one dancer but everyone was on stage by the end of the routine.

“We are one big family here so it was a very emotional performance. It was wonderful to dance together.”

For more information about Aycliffe Dance Academy visit aycliffedance.co.uk or contact aycliffedanceacademy@gmail.com or 07908-162868.