AN "epic" dance troupe based in Burnham is celebrating 10 years of performing with a special event.
Carlie Boler started Epic Dance with just one class and a handful of students in Cold Norton Village Hall in April 2012.
It has since expanded with classes in venues and schools across the Maldon district.
Some students who started out in the first class are still with the group 10 years later as qualified dance teachers.
The young dancers, aged three to 18, have celebrated great achievements over the past decade.
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This includes performing with Pixie Lott at Wembley Stadium, dancing at Disneyland Paris and the O2 and winning scores of awards in competitions such as the IDO British Finals.
At the Burnham mayor's civic reception in 2020, Epic Dance received the Health, Wellbeing and Nurturing Award.
This is something manager Carlie still holds close to her heart after a tough couple of years, with classes run on Zoom due to the lockdowns.
She said: "I have always kept the school a fun place for all of our students to come to, and I hope they all always find it a family environment where everyone is always there for each other.
"We all help and build each other up, help each other to gain confidence and inspire each other.
"We support anyone around us and my dancers will always be kind to other dancers at events as this is such an important skill to learn.
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"I have a connective tissue disorder which is affecting my life in a way I never expected 10 years ago, but I will not let these kids down.
"Some days I can just about walk through the pain, but together we make it happen and we will keep finding new adventures and new things to celebrate year after year."
The group is celebrating its anniversary with a family fun day at Burnham Ramblers Football Club on September 3.
Guests can enjoy a range of live entertainment, stalls, fair games and much more from 12pm to 4pm.
Epic Dance students will celebrate for free and admission is £1 for adults and 50p for children.
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