MORE than 700 young people showed they could boogie with the best of them at Dance Fest 2017.

Schools, as well as community groups and private dance groups, were represented at the event which took place over three nights at Kilmarnock Grand Hall and Palace Theatre.

Opening night performances included Doon Academy with their superb Dancers of Doon while a group from Dansarena called the Jellicle Cats went down well.

Over the following two evenings Auchinleck Primary’s Catastrophe! was anything but, while Janie Burrowes Dance School performed Broken Heels.

Also taking part in the programme of 48 acts — a substantial increase on the 34 from last year — were Auchinleck Academy, Ayrshire Youth Dance Company, Barshare Primary, Bellsbank Primary, Born To Perform, Dalmellington Primary, Dalrymple Primary, Dansarena, Greenmill Primary, Karen E Moir Dance & Drama, Logan Primary, Netherthird Primary, New Cumnock Primary, Patna Primary, St Joseph’s Academy and Take A Bow.

Alan Ward, East Ayrshire Council’s Head of Education said: “Last year’s event was amazing, but this year the young people, have excelled themselves with amazing new routines, fantastic interpretations and truly dazzling performances.

“The talent, passion and energy of all the young people who took part was breathtaking and they all took to the stage, brimming with confidence as they performed.”