ONE of the groups performing at this year's CAFE will be One Step Beyond, an Appalachian dance troop based in the heart of Redditch.

In 1988, three town women witnessed a "precision Appalachian step clogging" dance performance that was to change their lives forever.

After learning a few of the basics of the American dance, it was decided a Redditch group should be formed.

The troupe, which at this point had no name, held its first performance at the Crown Inn in Astwood Bank in front of a large audience of friends and acquaintances.

A group spokesman said: "The shocked but delighted audience gave a rousing reception, which has been a characteristic of performances ever since.

"A name was chosen and so One Step Beyond and its band, Two Steps Back, were on their way.''

New dances were developed and the style and performance were honed until the group was giving shows full of energy and excitement.

Demand for their entertaining services grew and they were delighted to be asked to perform to audiences as far away as Scotland and France.

In 2000, One Step Beyond opened a gala evening at Birmingham's Alexandra Theatre supporting Nick Owen, Don Maclean and the Syd Lawrence Orchestra.

For more details about the troupe, call Gill on 878267 or Pat on 0121 426 6005.