THE final curtain is set to fall on a ground-breaking dance troupe whose performances have touched the heartstrings of audiences throughout the world.

St Helens International Special Needs Dance Company, whose members all suffer from Down's syndrome, was first formed 10 years ago. Made up of 12 talented individuals under the direction of choreographer Ron Heavey MBE, they have since thrilled crowds from Austria to America. Now though the group is disbanding and will stage their final performance at the St Helens Theatre Royal on Friday, November 14.

Sixty-four-year-old Ron, former headteacher at Mill House Special School, has been teaching all forms of dance since 1959. Most of the company are former pupils of the school and he explained the decision to call it a day by saying: "When we started, most of the troupe were youngsters. But 10 years have gone by and we are all getting a bit long in the tooth for the strenuous dance routines now, my oldest dancer is 35."

The company first came to national prominence in 1987 when two of its former dancers, Helen Jenkinson and Damian Ward, performed a moving version of 'Music of the Night' from 'Phantom of the Opera' on the BBC TV programme 'Going Live.' Since then they have gone from strength to strength, performing concerts all over the world including Germany, Austria, Portugal and America, as well as notching up regular performances at the Royal Festival Hall and Special Olympics.

The troupe have also been honoured with the DSA Special Achievement Award in 1992, presented at the House of Commons, while various members are proud holders of Gold Medals from the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

Inspirational teacher Ron is no stranger to awards himself. In 1992 he received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his work with the Special Olympics, and also has the Humanitarian Award of Excellence from the Joseph P Kennedy Foundation for Special Arts. He said: "In the past, troupe members have danced at the Hollywood premiere of 'Twins' starring Arnold Schwarzeneggar, which they performed in front of the then US president, George Bush. They have also met and worked alongside many other big stars including Whitney Houston, Sir Cliff Richard, Donald Sutherland, and Dame Vera Lynn to name but a few.

"The last 10 years have been very rewarding for all of us. It is hard work teaching them the routines but we all agree it has been worth it and we have all made some very good friends over the years."

The company are hoping for a full house at their swansong performance. Tickets, priced £3, are now on sale at the box office and all proceeds will be donated to the St Helens and Knowsley Hospice Appeal.

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