A NEW dance school, which rose from the ashes of That's Entertainment in Chippenham, is set to hold its first show.

The pupils at Phoenix Dance School, who train at Sheldon School's new dance studio, will show off their newfound skills at the Neeld from 7pm on Friday and 5pm on Saturday, but teacher Grace Thomas said it hasn't been an easy ride.

"We were gutted when That's Entertainment closed down," she said. "The group had been running for over 20 years, but we weren't ready for it to close.

"We took the remaining pupils on under the name of Phoenix but we had no money, no costumes, nothing. It has been a tough year for us, but we are finally putting on our annual show."

Ms Thomas, who has spent the last year growing the school from 30 pupils to 69 using community grants from the town council and Chippenham Borough Lands Charity, said she cannot wait for the shows.

"I have always danced but I never wanted to do it as a career," the 28-year-old said. "That's Entertainment gave me the opportunity to dance for fun and I want others to have the same opportunity and carry on that legacy.

"We aren't professional trained but we teach the pupils a number of routines using a variety of dances and now they can show it off at our show.

"This year has been a challenge but one I am so glad to be part of and I wouldn’t change it for the world. I couldn’t be prouder of what we have achieved so far."