SIX dance students have been enjoying 'The Broadway Experience' after jetting off to New York for a once in a lifetime trip.

The youngsters, from AT School of Dance in Stockton Heath, on Sandy Lane, flew out on Saturday to spend eight days at a musical theatre summer school.

Maddy Radin, 17, Ella Clarke, 16, Lucy Blackshaw, 14, Bella Romani, 14, Ella Player, 13, and Claudia Silcock, 14, joined others from the USA, Canada, Japan and Italy on the 'The Broadway Experience' programme.

They have enjoyed classes with choreographers, musical directors, singing and acting coaches, as well as performers, who have shared their expertise and experience of performing on Broadway.

The six students have attended AT School of Dance and Footloose Theatre School in Sandymoor since they were five.

They regularly attend classes covering a range of dance styles and have set their sights on becoming 'triple threat' performers in 'songs, dance and acting'.

Ella, from Walton, said: "I am so appreciative of being given this opportunity to develop my skills in musical theatre in a place where everyone shares the same passion."

AT School of Dance principal Karen Speers and her daughter Carla, principal of Footloose Theatre School, took their first students to 'kick-start' the very first 'The Broadway Experience' summer school 10 years ago.

They have since seen a number of them go on to train at the top dance colleges in London and appear on the West End, on cruise ships and for the English National Ballet company.

Karen said: "The students benefit so much from this intensive training they receive.

"In all the years I have been taking students I have never been able to find another programme that compares to this, either in the UK or in New York, it is the best."

Karen and Carla will accompany the youngsters, along with fellow dance teacher Sophie Lishman.

Sophie took part in 'The Broadway Experience' six years ago and went on to train as a dance teacher in Liverpool.

She said: "The experience gave me the confidence and skills to pursue my dream of becoming a dance teacher.

"I would never have considered this possible before attending the summer school."

The students also got the chance to see a Broadway show, as well as some of the famous sights of New York, during their stay.