SWINDON dancer Sarah Josh once danced for Prince Charles at his 50th birthday celebration as part of the Royal Variety Show in London.

Today Sarah, 31, is a partner in the Josh and Jones Dance Academy which now boasts 21 members. The academy is for less experienced dancers and meets at Covingham Park School on Friday nights at 6.30pm.

The academy performed its first show on Bank Holiday Monday at the Big Screen in Wharf Green as part of a Swindon Dance showcase.

Sarah told the Adver: “We are building on their techniques in freestyle, jazz, musical theatre and contemporary dance.’’ The academy dancers are entering into Swindon Talent ‘10 and will be competing against their fellow group the Friday Night Project which is also under the guidance of Sarah Josh and Clare Jones.

Sarah began dancing at Swindon Dance, attending the foundation course, before she won a place at the Northern Ballet Dance School where she earned her teaching qualifications. She studied musical theatre for three years and her first job was choreographing Singing In The Rain at the Dance House Theatre in Manchester. Her career as a professional dancer was brought to an abrupt halt 11 years ago when she broke a bone in the ball of her foot. She returned to Swindon and took up teaching at Swindon Dance as well as coaching the dancers at the academy.

After the Swindon Talent ‘10 contest the dancers will be auditioning for a place to dance at Sadlers Wells Theatre on November 6.

Sarah and Clare are also taking a summer school at New College from August 2 and 5, which will be four intense days of various dance styles with a performance on the final day.

“We are looking to do something a bit different, we did a cabaret night last year,’’ said Sarah.

For more details of the academy call 493193.

l Rules: Every act needs to perform for four minutes and must be amateur, not earn their living by entertainment, and live or work in Wiltshire. Artists who competed in the talent contest for the last two years, 2008 and 2009 are not eligible to enter Swindon Talent ‘10. Entry is open to any age, but under 16s need signed permission from a parent or guardian. Organisers have the right to refuse entries if health or safety is considered at risk.