DANCE is all about movement - fluid, swift and graceful. Done well, that movement looks like second nature to its performer, but behind the grace lies many hours of practice.

To perform complicated routines and make them appear natural is a challenge to the body at first, but as dancers train, it no longer appears like work, it just flows smoothly.

The world of dance also moves with a constant flow. Trends appear and disappear, different styles split and others merge, forming new styles and for those who love dance, it is necessary to move with them.

When Gallagher's School of Ballet first opened 17 years ago it was a small operation, with a traditionalist approach to dancing. Since then dance in Limerick has seen an explosion of interest, not just in ballet, but in innovative forms of modern dance, such as street jazz and hip-hop.

Recognising the need to move with the times, the Milford-based company changed its name to The Dance Academy and began to teach a broader range of dancing styles. Word spread and classes began to fill.

Dance teacher Stacey Booth has helped greatly to ensure that the company moves at the same pace as the dance world.

"We changed the name of the school because we became more than a ballet school. We branched out into different areas of dance. So to continue calling it a ballet school would not have been doing the school justice. We diversified," says Stacey.

Dancers, says Stacey, need to start with the basics. A lot of young dancers, out of enthusiasm, attempt to walk before they crawl, trying their hand at technically difficult styles before they have mastered the basics.

Just because the world of dance moves, that doesn't mean it has forgotten where it has come from.

"The classics such as ballet will always be popular, they are a great base for becoming accomplished dancer," she says.

Stacey puts the growing popularity of dance down to reality television shows such as X-Factor, Dancing with the Stars, So you Think You Can Dance? and America's Best Dance Crew.

"Children watch these programs and develop an interest in dancing. They want to try it for themselves."

It is now the physical activity of choice for those who wish to do something without having to be competitive. Other activities are about pitting people against one another, dance is about self-expression.

"Some children come in here shy and introverted. They may lack confidence and they find it difficult to express themselves verbally. Many find it easier to express themselves physically. This helps them develop confidence and self-awareness. Dancing benefits the mental and the physical health of children," says Stacey.

Recently, an examiner from the International Dance Teachers Association visited The Dance Academy. The students were put through their paces over a three day period. Many achieved exceptional results. Sixteen students received an A grade.

Eimear McCartney (Raheen), Jean O'Donoghue (Cappamore), Kara Madden (Parteen), Sarah Connelly, Clodagh McMahon (both Ardnacrusha), Aisling Horan and Romey Fehilly (both Ballyclough) were given top marks for ballet. Alanna Brennan, Cayleigh Dunworth (both Cratloe), Megan Horan (Ballyclough), Aisling Donovan (Rathkeale), Alison Micks (Clonlara), Michael Higgins, Tristan Higgins (both Castletroy), Luke Madden (Parteen) and Grace Malone (Monaleen) all received over 86% in variations of jazz dance.

The school is busy at the moment preparing for an on-stage production called "Four Seasons", loosely based on composer Vivaldi's piece of the same name. Dancers will convey the gradual, ever changing weather through costume and dance.The show runs for one night, May 10, in University Concert Hall.

The Dance Academy has managed to move with the music, both students and teachers.The students and teachers here recognise where dance has been but are also focused on where it is going. If you're not moving, you're not dancing. And dancing is what these people are all about.

The Dance Academy will be taking on new students in September. For more information contact Stacey Booth at 086-1546467