YOUNGSTERS are stepping up and learning the ABCs of popping, locking and B-boying at Swindon Dance this week.

The school, based at the Town Hall, is running the Ultra Urban Summer School for children aged six through to teenagers this week.

Clare Fantini-Stephens, from Swindon Dance, said: “Last year was really successful. It’s great to give the children the opportunity to have fun during the summer holidays.

“Street dance is really popular and is accessible to both boys and girls. They seem to be really enjoy themselves.

“Many of the children also come to classes of other dance types, such as ballet.

“Hopefully, this summer school will encourage more young people to pursue dancing in the future.”

Youngsters will be taught by some of the area’s best street dancers, including Banxy, of the film Street Dance 3D, and Brooke and Joey D, who are in the latest McDonald’s advert.

All three will share their passion in classes teaching different aspects of street dance.

Banxy said: “This is a dance I have been doing since I was their age. It is basically all I know.

“There is big business in street dancing these days, and it is being taken more seriously, thanks to highly-televised competitions.”

The popularity of urban dancing has risen significantly due Diversity winning Britian’s Got Talent in 2009 and solo dancer George Sampson winning in the previous year.

“It’s good to see kids doing the original dance,” said Banxy.

“I try to make it as enjoyable for them as possible. It’s good for them to start at a young age, so that they learn to respect the dance as an art.”

During yesterday’s first class, Banxy took the youngsters through some simple dance routines to warm them up.

Dino Fisher-Stephens, eight, of Gorse Hill, said: “We have learned new moves, like the six step, and it has been good fun. The best part was the popping.”

Olivia Harrison, also eight, of Old Town, said: “The best bit was Joey D’s lesson.”

Ultra Urban runs until Friday. For details, call 01793 601700.