A dance school is a step closer to appearing on the stage at the Palace Theatre in Mansfield for the first time thanks to a successful fun day.

Silhouette Dance & Perform, based at Ladybrook Community Centre, has dancers aged from four to 14 who hope to put on a summer show at the theatre in September 2020.

Their family fun day at Forest Town Arena included live entertainment, a variety sing-a-long with compere Iain Dale, raffle, tombola, cake sale, singers and the finals of a talent competition.

The youngsters and family and friends raised £1,500 towards the show at the Palace.

Silhouette Dance & Perform owner and dance teacher Natalie Marie Richardson said: “I couldn’t be more proud to have these children be part of the school.

“Our fundraiser was a great success. The turnout was overwhelming and we raised a magnificent amount.

“Next September will be the first time we perform on a professional stage and the children and myself couldn’t be more excited.

“I want to thank everyone who came to support us and everyone who so generously gave up their time to help make this fundraiser a success.”

The fun day was hosted by compère Iain Dale and Silhouette dancers and parents helped to make and organise a homemade craft stall, tombola, raffle, sweets and cakes.

Members performed several dances and songs, while Kingfisher Chorus choir also performed a couple of songs.

One parent added: “The fundraiser was a real team effort, everyone pulled together with great success.

“The whole day was amazing with such a great atmosphere and turnout. The children performed so confidently in front of the crowd.

“All the money raised was very well deserved for all the effort that was put into the day.”

Silhouette Dance and Perform was set up 18 months ago by Natalie, with just one street dance class a week.

It aims to grow children’s confidence, self esteem, group work and fitness.

Now she runs eight classes single-handedly, including street dance, musical theatre and acrobatics.