THE founders of a dance studio destroyed in the New Ferry explosion have praised the public for helping ensure their latest show can go on tonight.

Children from Complete Works Performance School had finished a rehearsal for their current production, Progression, just an hour before the incident on March 25.

But principals Vicky Charlton and Kim Ashman say that thanks to the public's generosity the show will be staged, as planned, at the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton tonight and tomorrow.

They have had support from dance schools across Merseyside and beyond and the theatre has also given them use of the theatre free-of-charge.

Vicky told the Globe: "The show features every dance style and the kids love it. It's going to be a hugely emotional show, but the attitude for since last month has always been that show must go on.

"The minute the explosion happened, everybody just stepped up to help.

"We were lucky, because we have our own community of parents; so we have 250 children straight away, so their parents, friends, aunties, grandparents, etc, all came to help.

"Their attitude was 'right, this show has to happen', so we're very lucky, because we had that support straight away.

"But apart from that, the theatre staff have basically, let us have the theatre free of charge for the three days we are here.

"That is a massive help, ensuring that we can keep going for the next year.

"Even our show programmes have been printed for free and we've had help from dance schools in Liverpool, down south and North Wales, offered rehearsal space and costumes for free.

"A big shout out Funky Feet, who leant us costumes – they're old friends from college and we were in competition with them a few weeks ago.

"One minute we were in competition with them, the next they were asking ‘how are you, what costumes do you need?' 

"Victoria Academy, who we have never even met, sent us a huge card signed by all the children, which read ‘we're so sorry about this'.

"The Life Church in Bebington is our new base until at least July, and that's where we dance from.

"One of the parents had an empty shop; so any costumes that we managed to salvage or rebuy with fundraising, are now being stored there".

Reflecting on the events of March 25, Kim said: “We’re still struggling and It’s not really hit us yet.

”But once things calm down and we realise we haven't got our base, that was built up over 12 years, then it will hit us.

"Vicky and I have built the dance studio all on our own".

Recalling the night of the explosion, Vicky continued: "On March 25 we packed up after rehearsal, went home and had a glass a wine with our husbands and thought 'd'you know what, we're ready for this show'.

"Then nine o'clock came, everything fell apart and we went back to square one.

"Since then it's been chaos, good chaos because we’ve had to find new places to rehearse in etc.

"I think next week once the show's over, we'll be pretty low, but we will just have to start agan.

"The youngest members are like: 'are Vicky and Kim okay. The older ones have been so supportive.

"The majority are a little bit wobbly happy one minute, then they are strong, For many, it really is their second home.

"They'd come from school, eat their chips at the dance school and get changed for dance.

"It's been their second home and that's gone".

On opening night, businesses affected by the explosion will be attending the show. 

Vicky continued: "I really hope that New Ferry is not brushed under the carpet after this election and they pick us up, because it will be a huge shame if we’re forgotten.

“We’ll get our studios back; I don't know where or when, but we will".

David Mackenzie, the Floral Pavilion's theatre manager told the Globe: "We are really pleased to have been able to support Complete Works and ensure that the show goes on.  

"It's at times like these it's really important for us to keep spirits up and ensure the young performers have the opportunity to perform as planned, ensuring their hard work leading up to now was not in vain but can be enjoyed by family, friends and most of all, by the young people taking part".

Tickets for the show, which starts at 7pm on both nights, are from 0151 666 0000.