A NATIONAL music and dance competition is stopping off in Ipswich for a regional heat.

A NATIONAL music and dance competition is stopping off in Ipswich for a regional heat.

Competitors could win the chance to perform live in front of a national audience and get their hands on up to £25,000 in prizes.

Ipswich's best singers and a selection of dancers were selected in a heat at the Corn Exchange earlier this month but there is still room for more dance teams, duos and individuals in the regional final.

All dance styles are welcome and regional winners will go on to compete in the National Grand Final at Portsmouth Guildhall on Saturday November 29.

Idol 2008 has an under 18 and over 18 age category and entrants in both age groups will be given the opportunity to progress to the national final and compete to become this year's Idol.

Emma Hawley, from Ipswich School of Dancing, will be overseeing the regional dance heat on Sunday August 31.

She said: “It would be absolutely great if we could get some people from Ipswich going on to the national final.

“People auditioning in my heat would then be selected to dance again at the regional final at the Corn Exchange on October 19 which will be a show with an audience. From there they would be selected for the grand final.”

The best dancers in the over 18 age group of Idol 2008 will work alongside the winners of the singing category to be part of a UK tour and be involved with the video release for a single.

The prize for the best dancers in the under 18s category is a master class from Kylie's dance choreographer, Tim Noble, and the opportunity to tour across the UK and record a video.

To enter you must be in your age category on or before July 31 2008. The minimum age for the under 18s is 12 years old and those under 16 must to be accompanied by an adult at the open auditions.

The regional dance heat will be at the Ipswich School of Dancing, Bond Street, on Sunday August 31 with auditions starting at 10am.

Entry forms are available from the school and for more about the competition visit www.idol.uk.com.