LETTERS from a former Woolworths were incorporated into dance at an event to showcase local dancers and choreographers.

The empty shop in Leytonstone High Road was used as a space for the Pick'n'Mix dance event last Saturday performed in front of 300 people, from toddlers to pensioners.

Choreographer and local resident Ferghus O’Conchuir organised the event and was pleased to see many people get involved in the workshops – including Waltham Forest Mayor Cllr Anna Mbachu.

He said: “It was great – a huge number of people came to watch a great quality of dancing.

“I wanted to make sure that a wealth of talent of choreography recognised nationally and internationally could be seen by local residents. Despite living in Waltham Forest, I have never shown anything locally or rehearsed locally, which is silly.

“I also wanted to show how artists creativity could turn a casualty of the recession into something exciting.”

Choreographers presented seven pieces, of which three were new works, performed by 20 dancers.

One piece included using the actual Woolworths lettering from the former sign which was salvaged by Mr O’Conchuir when it closed.

Matthew Bourne's New Adventures dancers also led two workshops on the day with 35 participants and Dean James led two more in local schools in the run up to the event.

The event was also helped by East London Dance, Waltham Forest Council which lent the space the event, The Arts Council of England, Leytonstone Arts Trail artists and the BBC Big Screen.