Suffolk Academy of Dance and Performing Arts students are heading back in time to celebrate their 20th anniversary.

Ipswich Star: SADPA's Show 2014, Dancing Through Time. Photos: Wes CarterSADPA's Show 2014, Dancing Through Time. Photos: Wes Carter (Image: Copyright: Wes Carter)

Suffolk Academy of Dance and Performing Arts students are heading back in time to celebrate their 20th anniversary.

Ipswich Star: SADPA's Show 2014, Dancing Through Time. Photos: Wes CarterSADPA's Show 2014, Dancing Through Time. Photos: Wes Carter (Image: Copyright: Wes Carter)

The 100-plus strong cast of three to 17-year-olds will start their journey with the heyday of music hall and revisit hits from the likes of Dame Vera Lynn, The Beatles, Chubby Checker, Elvis Presley, The Bay City Rollers, Wham, Madonna and Take That before winding up back in the present with John Legend and others.

“We’ve got all different songs from different decades. It’s a huge amount of work, there are more than 500 costumes and some of the seniors are in more than 20 dances.

“That’s a lot of quick changes,” laughs SADPA principal Louise Chapman, who has had the cast in rehearsals since January.

“It’s nice, the students are learning music from all different eras, songs they’ve never heard before, and really getting to like it.”

The Ipswich-based academy teaches ballet, tap and modern dance plus drama and musical theatre.

Classes are held in the Regent’s Circle Lounge and some at Castle Hill Church.

“SADPA started in 1994, there’s an awful lot of children who have been through the academy in that time and some past members are coming back to help.

“I think it’s definitely going to be our best show.”

Dancing Through Time, SAPDA’s Big Show 2014, is on at the Regent at 2pm and 7pm this Saturday.

For a sneak peek, check out the online video on YouTube. For more about SADPA, visit www.sadpa.co.uk. Proceeds will go to Camille’s Appeal.