Dancers from the Rita and Joy Irving School of Dancing at Harraby Carnival in 1969 (Image: The Cumberland News Photographic)The group played a prominent role in Carlisle’s community and charity events, being run by Rita Irving, alongside Joy Irving, who trained young dancers in a variety of performance styles. Rita Irving and her brother Terry (Image: Newsquest)One of the earliest documented references comes from 1969, when dancers from the Rita and Joy Irving School of Dance performed in colourful costumes at the Harraby Community Centre Gala in Carlisle. A photograph preserved in the News & Star archive shows members of the Rita Irving Dancers modelling clothing at the Crown & Mitre Hotel in Carlisle in 1969 in aid of the NSPCC. Rita Irving dancers showing off their Easter bonnets in 1976 (Image: The Cumberland News Photographic)For many Carlisle residents, the Rita Irving Dancers formed part of a generation of local amateur performers who appeared at fêtes, galas, charity events and hotel functions. Rita Irving dancers hold a fashion show in Carlisle in 1974 (Image: The Cumberland News Photographic)