THE finalists for the Young Dancer of Mann competition have been chosen following a record number of entries.

The first round of auditions took place on Sunday at the Studio Theatre at Ballakermeen High School.

In the individuals competition Jaico Garcia, Tom Callow, Alice Smith, Tegan Dixon and Alexandra Slater are through in the modern trends category. Reagan Dee went through in contemporary, Tara Black in tap dance and Olivia Duggan in Irish dance.

In the groups competition Ny Fennee went through in the national category, RDC Freestyle Crew in modern trends and Skibbylt and Dawson's Freaks in musical theatre.

Lynda Cardwell, fellow and examiner of the International Dance Teachers Association, said: "We were delighted to be invited to judge Young Dancer of Mann and we thoroughly enjoyed our day."

Community, Culture and Leisure Minister David Cretney MHK said: "I am really looking forward to the final. The talent in the Island in the arts and sports never ceases to amaze me."

The grand final of the competition will take place on Saturday, March 5. Due to the size of the venue seats are available only to the families of competitors.

As an addition to the competition there will be three entertainment pieces from Lloyd Mayor, Young Dancer of Mann 2009, Represent Dance Company and Kinetix Crew.

Kinetix Crew is made up of contemporary dancers from the Academy of Dance and streetdancers from Represent Dance Company. The group are the lead performance team for the opening of the Commonwealth Youth Games in September. 

For more information on the Young Dancer of Mann competition contact the Isle of Man Arts Council on 01624 694598.