JANE Bancroft, known to pupils of Sale Academy of Dancing as Jane O’Neill, has been their principal for 12 years.

She is putting on the school’s four yearly dancing display. Curtain Up 2016, at Waterside Arts on July 16 and 17.

Although her pupils enter the International Dance Teachers Association grades up to grade 5, she is equally keen for them to experience performing for an audience.

All 186 of them are taking part and six former pupils will return to dance a speciality number choreographed by one of them.

The music will be predominantly modern. The first act will end with tap piece, Le Jazz Hot, danced by older pupils.

The school’s senior tap group, aged from 20 to over 80, will deliver an unusual modern number.

There will also be extracts from Toy Story, Shrek and Hairspray.

Even the little ones aged three and four will forsake Teddy Bear’s Picnic for items from the Bee Movie such as Sugar, Sugar.

“They’ll be dressed in yellow and black outfits to look like bees,” said Jane.

Four boys aged five, six and seven are also dancing.

The show will end dramatically with older pupils performing the Can Can.

“I am grateful to Howard Anson from Sale Nomads for being the MC and must also thank the Nomads for their help with costumes lighting, sound and front of house,” said Jane.

“There’ll be something for everyone and people will be tapping their feet throughout.”

Tickets, priced £12 adults and £10 concessions, are only available for the performance on Sunday, July 17 at 11.30am. Telephone 0161 969 6552.