A SHOW is celebrating the results of a scheme to get more young men to get involved with dance. Pick up the Pace is a three-year project run by Greenwich dance school Laban, and involves classes and activities with schools and youth groups.

The gala show will feature the work of performers from the ages of eight to 22.

Organizers say the scheme aims to help solve the imbalance of boys to girls who study dance.

The lads will be joined on stage by some of the girl dancers from the Laban youth programme.

Project co-ordinator Niki Lavithis said: "We are really pleased with the hard work and commitment which all the young people, nearly 130 of them, have put towards this performance.

"It's a fantastic opportunity for them to show their skills on stage, for the first time, in front of such a big audience, including their friends and families.

"We're sure they will feel a huge sense of achievement and will gain invaluable experience."

Laban youth showcase, April 1, Laban, Creekside, Deptford, 3.30pm and 6.30pm, tickets £5/£1 concs, box office 020 8469 9500.