Following a record entry into the Competition, the first round of the Young Dancer of Mann 2011 took place at the Studio Theatre, Ballakermeen High School, Douglas on 13th February. The standard of entrants was exceptional, but eventually the judges were able to agree that the following should go through to the Grand Final on Saturday, 5th March -- In the Individuals Competition Jaico Garcia, Tom Callow, Alice Smith, Tegan Dixon and Alexandra Slater go through in the Modern Trends Category. Reagan Dee goes through in Contemporary, Tara Black in Tap Dance and Olivia Duggan in Irish Dance. In the Groups Competition Ny Fennee go through in the National Category, RDC Freestyle Crew in Modern Trends and Skibbylt and Dawson’s Freaks in Musical Theatre. In addition to the Competition, there will be three entertainment pieces, the first from Lloyd Mayor, Young Dancer of Mann 2009 and the second from Represent Dance Company. The third piece will be presented by Kinetix Crew which is made up of contemporary dancers from the Academy of Dance and streetdancers from Represent Dance Company. Formed in 2010 under the creative direction of Pippa Salter and David Cowley, Kinetix is the lead performance team representing the Isle of Man in the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Youth Games this summer. Hon David Cretney MHK, Minister for Community, Culture and Leisure said, ”I am really looking forward to the final. The talent on the Island in the arts and sports never ceases to amaze me!” Lynda Cardwell, Fellow and Examiner IDTA (Chairman of the Ballet Faculty), Registered RAD Adjudicator and Loraine Hastings, Fellow & Examiner IDTA said “We were delighted to be invited to judge Young Dancer of Mann and we thoroughly enjoyed our day.” Lynda was impressed with the wide range of genres covered by the individual children and Loraine commented that the Modern Trends Section was most enjoyable. Having judged many Street Competitions, she was excited to see that the Isle of Man was up there with the best! Unfortunately, due to the size of the venue, seats are available only to the families of competitors. For further information please contact the Isle of Man Arts Council on 694598, or email iomartscouncil@gov.im alternatively, visit www.iomarts.com . -Ends-