Gifted dancers head to Pollokshields

Pollokshields venue Tramway will host groups from Australia, Canada, Malta, India, Namibia and New Zealand, as well as 18 from all over the UK, for three days in July.

Ryan Hughes, who studies music at Glasgow Clyde College’s Langside campus, will perform at the meet as a member of Blast Dance Academy.

The 18-year-old described the festival as a “mind-boggling opportunity”.

He said: “I am absolutely delighted to be involved — and it is a great privilege to be asked.

“It will be a wonderful experience to mix with performers from many different countries and cultures.”

The event is commissioned by Get Scotland Dancing, in a bid to bring together the best of local, national and international youth dance talent.

Anna Kenrick, the artistic director of YDance, told The Extra: “There was an amazing response to our call out for applications from the UK to be part of the festival.

“It was a challenge to pick only 18 groups to join the international groups already chosen.

“With such a variety of styles and themes presented by these talented young groups from across the Commonwealth, we’re really looking forward to welcoming them all to Glasgow this summer.

“We also couldn’t be more grateful to our supporters and sponsors who are helping to make this such a unique event.”

The Commonwealth Dance Festival will run July 10-12.