DANCERS from around the world were invited to celebrate the first performance at a waterfront dancehouse.

Hollie-Rae Merrick

DANCERS from around the world were invited to celebrate the first performance at a waterfront dancehouse.

DanceEast hosted its first performance last night in its new waterfront site, which saw dancers from Berlin and Cuba perform alongside the region's talent.

Eight dancers from the National Contemporary Dance School in Havana and ten dancers from The State Ballet School in Berlin ventured to Ipswich to learn new methods of dancing as well as teaching their own.

After arriving in Ipswich on October 21 the groups of dancers came together to rehearse, attend lessons and develop their understanding of different technical performances.

Guest speakers, including Borja Jimenez who is regarded as one of Cuba's leading dance experts, also held workshops for the dancers.

Lucy Hegarty, DanceEast's Academy Manager, said: “It's such a great opportunity to showcase our new building and the range of talented people that we have in this region.

“We really wanted to learn from other countries and the methods they use during dance.

“We have been in contact with the other schools for a couple of years now and it's so exciting to welcome them and perform with them - hopefully we will get the opportunity to send some of our students to their schools.”

Another performance is set to take place tonight, with tickets priced at �12 for adults and �6 for concessions.

To get tickets contact the box office on 01473 295230 or visit www.danceeast.co.uk