BALLET shoes were packed away for another year as the dance section of a popular annual festival drew to a close.

Audiences attending the dance classes at the 91st Sudbury Festival of Performing Arts – held at Ormiston Sudbury Academy from February 16 to 19 – were impressed not only with the colourful costumes but also with the high standard of this year’s entrants.

Adjudicator Geoff Lucas, who came to the festival with a wealth of experience gained during a varied career in box office smashes such as Cats, Godspell and Jesus Christ Superstar, was able to offer constructive advice to participants of all age ranges.

He said: “The Sudbury festival is well organised and the standard of dance is high. The participants are all so enthusiastic and it is vital for them to be able to work as a team – this is how they learn the most.”

Cups and trophies for the dance category were awarded on Tuesday evening.

The festival’s music section is due to start next Tuesday and will run until March 3 at The Delphi Club, with classes on the Saturday scheduled to take place at All Saints Middle School.

The speech and drama section will follow from March 8 to 11, also at the Delphi Club. The festival will culminate in a big gala concert featuring the high achievers across all sections.

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