THE next generation of dancers have been taking a step back in time as part of a history project with a difference this term.

Young people in Wiltshire can take part in Rewind Dance Classes, an initiative launched by Wiltshire Council in April this year that attracted more than 60 young people to dance workshops exploring the popular dances from the 1910-1920 era.

As well as learning dance moves from the decade, youngsters were taken on trips to the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre and The Rifles Berkshire and Wiltshire Museum and more than 100 members of the community watched a performance by one of the classes.

The council has been awarded £34,600 from the Heritage Lottery Fund to carry out the exciting project.

Now the project is entering its second term and as well as joining in the dancing and helping performances, budding reporters are also being encouraged to sign up and record the project as it evolves.

Young people who are interested in creative writing and journalism can join the project and help document the work.

They will be encouraged to write about the progress of the project, the trips and the performances as well as interview participants and the community about their experience of the project and family stories they might have connected to the First World War.

There will also be opportunities for these young people to talk on the radio about the project and training will be provided.

Stuart Wheeler, cabinet member for heritage and arts said: "I'm really pleased so many young people have already enjoyed being part of this unique project.

"I'm looking forward to seeing how the latest stage of this arts initiative will bring an important period in our history to life for even more young people in Wiltshire."

The Rewind Dance classes take place at Salisbury Arts Centre on a Thursday evening from 7pm to 8.30pm and at The Wellington Academy in Tidworth on a Tuesday evening from 5-6.30pm.

The project is also planning to expand its dance classes to The Malmesbury School where it will be working with the schools dance company and in Trowbridge at the Studley Green Children's Centre.

If you are aged between 13 and 19 and interested in joining a class or being a reporter for the project you can contact Emily Malcolm, Project Coordinator, via Emily.Malcolm@wiltshire.gov.uk