Twinkle-toed young villains are dancing their way to crime-free lives, thanks to an innovative criminal justice project in Bradford.

Teenagers at risk of getting deeper into crime, or with problems at school, are being referred to the course in Little Germany which is steering them from crime and into education and the arts.

The 12-week Dance Academy course, involving about 15 boys and girls, aged from 15 to 17, culminates on Tuesday when they perform at the Alhambra Theatre. A further performance will take place in Leeds next month.

Paul O'Hara, manager of the Bradford Youth Offending Team, said nearly half the young people taking part in the course were from the Bradford district.

He said: "Most of them are young offenders, but others have problems at school. 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. But those that do gain a great deal from the experience and many go on to pursue further education. One youngster has been accepted into the Northern Contemporary School of Dance.

"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 performed in London and across West Yorkshire. The young offenders also learn literacy, numeracy and teamwork and can gain Arts Council-approved qualifications.

  • Start or join a debate on this issue in our online forum - Click here