The youngest performer is six, the oldest in their mid-twenties, but one thing all 255 participants of eNgage 09 have in common is a passion for dance. Now in its sixth year the annual youth and community dance showcase, which is presented by Epping Forest Arts (EFA), part of Epping Forest District Council, has grown year on year, and with 19 groups involved this time round, eNgage 09 promises to the biggest and best yet.

Epping Forest Arts Dance Development Artist Vicky Quirke says: “There is no audition process as such, it’s much more about giving local groups a platform to perform. It’s a real mix of performers, some groups are well established, and for them, eNgage is the date in the diary which they really work towards, with rehearsals starting in September. Others are after-school groups who have never experienced an event like this. The idea is to see different dance styles and ages.”

A number of the groups involved in eNgage 09 have developed from after-school groups Vicky has set up within local primary schools, including Ivy Chimneys, Chipping Ongar and Hereward. Under this EFA initiative, Vicky puts in place the initial framework before letting teachers and parents take over, with her continued close guidance and support.

Others come from secondary schools in the district, including Roding Valley High School, who have worked on their piece as part of their GSCE dance module, Debden Park High School and King Harold School, while some operate outside of school boundaries entirely, such as All Saints, which Vicky set up and runs, Bratpack and 2 HyPA from Move It Aside Dance Company.

And with such an ecclectic cross-section of performers, Vicky is keen to stress that eNgage 09 is much more than a one-trick pony, especially in the wake of the success of Essex-based hip-hop troupe Diversity, who beat singing sensation Susan Boyle to win Britain’s Got Talent earlier this month.

“This year, we have more musical theatre groups, contemporary dance, jazz, ballet, street dance, a whole range of styles. It’s not just hip-hop.”

Continuing on the theme of Diversity, Vicky, who graduated from Laban, a contemporary dance school in London, adds: “They are the perfect example of a group who might be at eNgage and who go on to do amazing things.

“They have made my job easier in many ways, as people have heard about dance and want to join in. With the youth groups we always start with hip-hop, that’s the lead in, but once we have got them, you can teach them other styles.”

And according to Vicky the benefits of dance extend much further than just appearing on a reality TV show.

“It’s a great way to meet new friends, improve confidence and brilliant for health and fitness. Many youngsters seem to come out of their shell through dance and it can help in all different aspects of life.”

l eNgage 09 is at Harlow Playhouse on Thursday, June 25, 7.30pm. For tickets: call 01279 431945 or visit www.playhouseharlow.com (£5-£8).

For EFA: Call 01992 564551 or visit www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk