Dancers young, old prove prowess

More than 500 dancers from the age of two to 84 took to the stage to show their best dance moves at the annual Rhythmz Dance Company showcase Born to Dance, which was held at Bethlehem College at the weekend.

About 560 dancers performed four almost sold-out shows on Saturday and yesterday.

Company owner and show director Carla Beazley said the shows went well with more than 2000 tickets sold.

The Saturday performances were sold out and only a handful of tickets were left for yesterday's.

"We feel like everyone was born to dance. You often see babies dancing before they can even walk. Life just beats it out of you," Ms Beazley said.

She said the age range of performers showed exactly that.

One of the highlights of the show was a cameo by 84-year-old Tauranga grandmother Melva Cummins, who was dubbed the dancing nanna after a video of her dancing made its way to the internet last year.

Unbeknown to Mrs Cummins her moves at the Stretch Festival in Mandurah were recorded and posted on the internet, making her a YouTube sensation.

Ms Beazley said any of the students who wanted to perform were given a part to play.

"We like to give everyone the opportunity. For us it's all about having everyone involved," she said. "For us it's not about perfect technique ... it's about having a go and having fun."