For the last eight years the Shannon Irish Dancers have been asked to join the Band of the White Russian Army at its Scarborough shows, and on a tour of Ireland.

The friendship has blossomed to the point where bandmaster Norman Rogerson has invited the troupe to take part in the Birmingham Tattoo, which he organises.

It is England's version of the Edinburgh Tattoo, watched by 13,000 people.

A coach carrying the school's junior and senior show teams and supporters will hit the motorway next week, heading for the National Indoor Arena.

The 22 excited young dancers, who will be among thousands of performers on the bill, will perform a seven-minute routine on the Saturday and Sunday.

A smaller potted version will be performed at the Shannon Irish Dancers' 10th annual show, at the YMCA Theatre this weekend.

Fleet Feet Six is the sixth show at the YMCA, following four at the Corner.

"We have resurrected some old favourites and there will be some brand new numbers too," says Katrina Flynn, who runs the school.

The show will feature two dances, Rococco and Lord of the Dance, with which the school won the first and second prizes in the folk and contemporary categories of the Sardinia dance festival in September:

Fleet Feet Six will be presented by about 100 dancers, ranging in age from three to 50-ish.

It can be seen at 7.30pm Saturday and 2.30pm Sunday.