SWINDON dance and Cre8 studios opened their doors to members of the public for their annual open day.

Based in the town hall studios, Swindon Dance ran a series of informal taster sessions in ballet, contemporary, jazz and classical Indian dance.

Parents and toddlers were also invited to take part in a creative music and singing session.

Dance teacher Sarah Josh said: "This is a great opportunity for people to come along and find out more about what we do here and to see if it is something they might enjoy.

"Our philosophy is that everyone can learn how to dance and we run our courses at every level to cater for all abilities."

Swindon Dance director Marie McCluskey said: "There is always a huge range of things happening here, but not many people get to hear about it.

"The idea of this open day is to promote ourselves and just to let everyone realise what we offer.

"Many people who have trained with us have gone on to be famous, but most people do it just for the fun of it."

Former pupils include pop singer Billie Piper, Floyd Hendricks, who recently starred in the West End musical Bombay Dreams, Jerome Jackson, who featured in the video for the Elvis hit 'A Little Less Conversation', break dancer Banksy and Kilea Williams, who has gone on to train at the Rambert Dance School and is now a member of the Phoenix Dance company.

Visitors were also keen to see the Cre8 studios, where they were given the chance to take part in a virtual soap, using computer software to splice themselves into scenes from EastEnders.

And they could have a go at stop motion animation, using plasticine models.

To round off the open day, visitors were given the chance to lend a hand in the making of a pop video, with Cre8 staff working alongside dancers.

For more information about courses offered or to sign up, contact the Town Hall Studios on Swindon 463223.