Updated 12:41pm 12 February 2012:

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Diane Parkes

Diane Parkes

Worldwide gathering at Birmingham dance school

TEENAGERS from across the world have converged on a Birmingham school this week for a dance summer school.Read

Birmingham student dresses pop diva Lady Gaga

A BIRMINGHAM fashion student had her first taste of styling the stars when pop diva Lady Gaga wore one of her dresses.Read

Birmingham City University students meet author Joseph Delaney

BEST-selling writer Joseph Delaney visited Birmingham City University to see work by students who had been inspired by his books.Read

Theatre: Ballroom is the new rock 'n' roll

PRODUCER Harley Medcalf never expected to be working on a ballroom dancing show.Read

From the Archives: Our community is stronger today but it's still a tinderbox

HANDSWORTH and Lozells may have changed since the communities were ripped apart in the 1980s – but many of the same problems still exist.Read

Singer Eddie Masih is ready for the big time

A BIRMINGHAM singer who is hoping to break in to the big time is looking for a manager.Read

Dancing in the streets

YOUNGSTERS will be learning street dance from the professionals with a Hip Hop Vacation this month.Read

Sutton Coldfield fitness expert backs national campaign

A BIRMINGHAM fitness expert is backing a national campaign to encourage cancer survivors into exercise.Read

Walk to support children with diabetes

FAMILIES are being urged to pull on their boots to take part in a sponsored walk for children with diabetes.Read

Theatre: It's off to work for Sam and Linda

HEIGH-ho, heigh-ho it’s off to work they go.Read

Birmingham silversmith in solo exhibition

A YOUNG Birmingham silversmith is sharing her skills with visitors to a National Trust landmark this summer.Read

Theatre: Neil Toon is a Legally Blonde bad guy

BEFORE taking on the role of drug dealing kidnapper Kyle Ryder in Hollyoaks, actor Neil Toon sought advice from the experts.Read

Theatre: Old rivalries resurface in Bette and Joan

TWO Hollywood icons will come alive in a new show in Birmingham this weekend.Read

Yardley car jack victim piled on the pounds

A WOMAN who piled on the pounds after suffering two street robberies and a car jacking has been named a top slimmer after dropping seven stone.Read

Elmhurst dance school principal to step down

ELMHURST School for Dance artistic director Desmond Kelly is to step down from his role next summer.Read

Sutton Coldfield students out to Africa

A TEAM of more than 20 students and staff from Plantsbrook School in Sutton Coldfield are spending their summer holidays volunteering in Uganda. The group will be helping to build a classroom.Read

Theatre: The Lost Happy Endings returns to mac

A FAIRY tale with a difference returns to Birmingham’s mac this Christmas.Read

Theatre: Dirty Dancing is Cinderella for modern times

IT may be a bit steamy and just a little bit naughty, but the story of Dirty Dancing is a modern day Cinderella, according to the producer of the stage show Karl Sydow.Read

Theatre: Hannah Waterman signs up for Survive!

ACTRESS Hannah Waterman is the latest performer to be announced in the line-up for the fund-raising musical Survive!Read

Birmingham woman tells of childhood in Japanese concentration camp

JOYCE Storey opened an old scrapbook full of letters, photos, diaries and mementoes.Read

Author Profile

Diane Parkes has worked in journalism for 14 years and has been with the Birmingham Mail for ten. She is Women's Editor covering health, fitness, education, fashion and beauty features. As Dance and Theatre Editor she is also responsible for professional arts coverage across the region.