COMBINE the UK’s oldest folk dance routine with some of the most modern hip-hop moves and you’ll get the UK’s number one dance extravaganza.

After securing £120,000 from the Arts Council, England, 20 dancers from The Lock In dance show have made their mark across the UK.

Set in the hustle and bustle of a busy old English pub, they are joined by award-winning electric folk band The Demon Barbers, who provide hip-hop, house, funk and ska along the way.

“Folk and hip-hop are very similar. They are the two forms of dance that see everyday people dancing together for their own entertainment. That’s why we merged the two together and haven’t looked back since, both styles work well,” said artistic director Damien Barber.

Old and new moves are brought together in an exciting and dynamic dance-off, with sword dances performed with snooker-cues and highly energetic dance routines.

“There is so much energy in the show, it’s honestly one of the best things that I have ever done. I did my first backwards somersault two years ago when I was 39,” said Damien, who also dances as well as devising and producing.

Because The Lock In has received extra funding to work within the community, Damien said that they were currently on the look-out for a school in Burnley to take advantage of one of their workshops.

“We run a series of fun workshops and it’s all part of the development of the show, we go into schools and teach them some dance moves and really get them involved. If there’s anybody out there who wants to take part then get in touch,” he said.

When they aren’t busy with the dance extravaganza, The Demon Barbers are an act by themselves.

They are currently busy working with Simon Emmerson, the Grammy Award-nominated record producer on their new album.

They are also performing on the festival stage at Glastonbury this year for three days.

“The band are great themselves and they deliver an amazing performance on stage, combined with the dancers it’s a great family show. We didn’t expect to receive such demand for this project but it tends to work well, it’s not your average traditional dance show but it’s very good entertainment,” said Daimien.

  • The Lock In, Burnley Mechanics, Thursday, February 7. Details from 01282 664400.