A programme of dance classes and performances for the summer started this week.

DanceFest, the Herefordshire and Worcestershire based dance agency, is organising a range of activities from workshops to professional productions over the coming months.

Contemporary, jazz, choreography, breakdance and children's dance clubs are all being held.

Malvern Youth Dance is running sessions for 12 to 16-year-olds at Dyson Perrins School on Wednesdays, between 4.15 and 5.45pm.

For the less energetic, The Mission will be performing at the Courtyard arts centre in Hereford on Tuesday. Their work will be a fast-moving fusion of dance styles put together by five of Britain's foremost young, black choreographers. Tickets, priced £9-£11, are available on 01432 359252 or on www.courtyard.org.uk.

Award-winning Motionhouse Dance Theatre will be working with DanceFest for a week, leading workshops in schools and a youth project and performing their latest production, Volatile, at Malvern Theatres on Saturday, June 28. Call 01684 892277 for tickets or see www.malvern-theatres.co.uk.

DanceFest's own groups will take to the stage at the Swan Theatre on Saturday, July 26, for their annual show, Bonanza Danza.

Summer schools are also being run. The first, from July 28 to August 1, is aimed at those aged 14 and upwards and will take place at University College Worcester. A children's dance week will follow at Worcester Arts Workshop from August 11 to 15.

More information on all DanceFest events is available from Rose Beeston on 01905 611199 or by emailing dance fest@tinyworld.co.uk.