A company has launched with the aim of offering 'world-class' dance conventions for local dancers in Cumbria.

Up North Dance Events is Cumbria’s first company dedicated to bringing unmissable opportunities to dancers aged four to 18, featuring workshops led by some of the industry’s top choreographers.

Traditionally, dancers have had to travel to places like Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, and London for such high-calibre training. Up North Dance Events is aiming to change that by offering these experiences right here in Cumbria, allowing local dancers to develop new skills, build confidence, and connect with others—all while doing what they love.

The idea for the company came from local dance teachers who noticed Cumbrian dancers were missing out. After organising many trips out of the region for their students to take classes, they realised the need for similar opportunities in Cumbria without the extra expense of travel and accommodation. Up North Dance Events has been running for a year, and is now preparing for its third series at the end of the month.

In Carlisle, dancers usually have to travel to the bigger cities to be able to take part in workshops and take sessions with international choreographers. But this company is now hosting its own events and inviting famous choreographers and teachers to Carlisle, so that the whole of Cumbria can hopefully benefit.

Leony Pollard, event organiser said: "We are so excited about our next event, the previous workshops have been such a great success, we keep getting lots of people coming back which shows how much they have loved it. The atmosphere is always electric! We even had the red beret girl from Matilda at the last event! Get your tickets booked... You won't regret it!"

Up North Dance Events' first Carlisle event will be held at The Sands Centre on Sunday, September 29.

Tickets are available from Eventbrite and are available from age five upwards.

The company is excited to feature renowned choreographers Chris Clark, Jack Lisner, and Jazz Peters at their Sands Centre event, with workshops in commercial and jazz styles. Classes are for children aged five upwards.