AN AMERICAN touring ensemble is stopping in Dorset during a European tour which includes dates in London and Disneyland Paris.

The singing and dancing group Electric Youth will perform high-energy, choreographed performances of classic rock and contemporary pop when they take the stage at the Tivoli Theatre in Wimborne next Saturday, complete with a top eight-piece backing band.

The nine-member singing, dancing and acting ensemble is made up of performers aged from 14 to 17.

Music director Hallie Wetzell said the young performers receive ‘exceptional’ training.

She said: “Their experience, professionalism and talent belies their years.

“Their work with master teachers enables them to present a show of the highest calibre.”

The group has released five CDs and performed on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas cruise ship, on Fox TV and at Boston’s Fenway Park, Gillette Stadium, Walt Disney World and the United Nations.

Concert tours of Italy and Austria have included performances at renowned venues including San Remo’s Ariston Theater and Vienna’s Konzerthaus, Musikverein and Schonbrunn Palace.

The ensemble has also entertained US troops stationed abroad at European military bases.

The singer-dancers are backed by an eight-piece band of world-class Boston musicians who have performed, recorded and toured with such music legends as Tony Bennett, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Dizzy Gillespie, BB King, Diana Ross, The Temptations and Van Morrison.

Director Raye Lynn Mercer said: “The band that tours with Electric Youth really raises the level of experience for our singer-dancers and audiences alike. These musicians have performed with A-list entertainers and the music is first rate.

“Several of the band members also write arrangements that allow the group to take classic songs and make them their own.”

Electric Youth’s Ali Funkhouser, 17, said the ensemble’s unique renditions of current hits connect easily with audiences.

“The newer, contemporary music is universally well-known,” she said.

“We put our own spin on how the songs are performed, so there are still plenty of twists and surprises that help make our shows really entertaining.”

The group’s repertoire includes hits by The Beatles, The Blues Brothers, Fun, Icona Pop, Lady Gaga, Queen and Stevie Wonder Performer Hallie Wetzell added: “With a show that ranges from classic Aretha Franklin to 1980s hits to The Script, there’s something for everyone.”

Tickets for EY in concert at the Tivoli Theatre cost £10.

For more information visit tivoliwimborne.co.uk or electricyouth.com The show is on at the Tivoli next Saturday, starting at 7.30pm.