CLASSIC India came to Colchester for a performance which blew away thousands of football fans.

More than 500 students from 200 schools and organisations across Essex represented the Dance Network Association in Keeping Dance Alive - Bard to Bollywood.

The mass choreographed dance performance commemorated the 2017 UK-India Year of Culture announced by former Prime Minister David Cameron to celebrate both country’s cultural ties.

It was also a nod to the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death, whose first folio of work will tour India next year.

Students from Clacton County High School, Colchester Academy, Plume School, in Maldon, St Andrews Primary School, in Halstead, and many others showcased their Bollywood moves during half time at Colchester United’s Weston Homes Community Stadium on Saturday.

Charlotte Bush, deputy curriculum leader of dance at Clacton County High School, said: “It was amazing to watch because of the age range from primary schools to colleges and students from specialist schools, so it was lovely to see them all perform the same movements.

"Being the last match of the season for Colchester United the atmosphere was electric.

“Taking part in the project was also great opportunity for the students to make the link between dance and sport.

"Dance doesn’t get classed as a sport event though anyone who dances will appreciate all the fitness involved in it so it was good to bridge that gap.”

The students from the schools and organisations below will perform again at the Essex County Cricket Ground in Chelmsford on July 4.

  • Clacton Coastal Academy, Ravens Academy, Gilberd School, St Michaels C of E School, CoCoCare day service, in Colchester, Colne Community School and College, in Brightlingsea, Honywood Community Science School, in Coggeshall and Evolve the Youth Dance Company, in Witham.