A YOUNG dancer is organising a one-off show so that she can grab the chance to train with some of the best in the business.Featuring hits from a range of much-loved musicals and starring a large cast of friends and performers, Time of My Life has been organised by Shannen Riches.

A YOUNG dancer is organising a one-off show so that she can grab the chance to train with some of the best in the business.

Featuring hits from a range of much-loved musicals and starring a large cast of friends and performers, Time of My Life has been organised by Shannen Riches.

The event takes places at Cliff Park High on Bank Holiday Monday, and money raised will help the 19-year-old chase her dream and attend the Northern Contemporary School of Dance.

Shannen, who lives with her family in Great Yarmouth, achieved a triple distinction at City College Norwich this year and managed to get a place on a year-long course at the highly respected school.

Her mother Carol remembers the moment that they found out Shannen had been accepted. She said: “It was amazing. We went with her to the auditions, and the amount of girls and boys there was unbelievable. We kept our fingers crossed and now the hard work of raising money begins.”

Because she is not doing a degree course, Shannen is ineligible for a student loan and has to raise an estimated �6,000 to cover the cost of the training, which begins this September.

“She's been working three jobs to get her money through the summer, and with a background performing with Dusmagrik Productions, she and most of the people doing this show are from there.

“We're making cakes for the show, which will be all singing and dancing from musicals like Cats, and there will be costume changes and spectacular group pieces.”

Shannen has danced from the age of two, and went on to co-found and teach at drama group Dusmagrik Productions, which now has 172 members aged three to 21.

In addition to the show, she also plans to hold a number of car boot shows, and is applying to businesses for help.

The Northern Contemporary School of Dance has alumni that includes acclaimed choreographer Akram Khan, and the foundation course allows progression on to degree level training.

Tickets for the show, which starts at 7pm, cost �4 on the door.