Young offenders took to the boards at the Alhambra Theatre last night for the first performance of a dance show aimed at keeping them out of further trouble.

The group of about 15 boys and girls, aged 15 to 17, have completed a 12-week Dance Academy course in Little Germany, Bradford.

The innovative arts and education project for teenagers at risk of getting deeper into crime or those with problems at school is no soft option however, according to the Bradford Youth Offending Team which helps run it.

Dance Academy co-ordinator Dave Pope said: "They are young people who have got into trouble and are involved in the criminal justice system.

"What we have found is working with contemporary dance they make tremendous progress very quickly."

Mr Pope said some young offenders involved in previous courses had gone on to join courses at Bradford College, and one had been accepted to the Northern Contemporary School of Dance.

He said others who were not looking for a future in dance benefited because the course developed their social skills.

One 17-year-old, of Tong, Bradford, said he initially had reservations about the course but would now recommend it to anyone who had been in his situation.

He said; "If they get the opportunity to do it I think they should try it. If they don't like it they can always go and not go back, but I guarantee if they try it they will love it and stay forever."

Paul O'Hara, manager of the Bradford Youth Offending Team, said: "The course is a demanding programme of physical exercise and commitment. It is not a soft option. It has a strict regime and many of the young people struggle to complete the programme because of the commitment required.

"Those that do gain a great deal from the experience.

"We have got clear evidence that this scheme changes young people's behaviour and attitude and they become more motivated. There have been excellent examples of young people moving into further education and that is a major help in moving them away from offending."

The Dance Academy opened in March last year and previous students have performed in London.

The offenders also learn literacy, numeracy and teamwork and gain Arts Council-approved qualifications.

A further performance takes place in Leeds next month.