PIROETTES and plies were on the curriculum for some of Overfields Primary’s Key Stage 2 pupils when The Royal Ballet came to the school in Ormesby.
The pupils danced their way through a three-hour workshop with a practitioner from The Royal Ballet learning the twists and turns of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
The workshop was a prize to pupils as they were crowned as regional winners of the National Nutcracker competition, a ten-week programme aimed at introducing dance to children.
Kirsty Bass, Year 5 teacher at Overfields Primary, said: “This fantastic course has made ballet accessible for our Key Stage 2 pupils, as they were taught a range of challenges and techniques.
“Some of the lessons included developing motifs; characterisation, entrances and exits, working together and body contact.
“The children and I have thoroughly enjoyed this extraordinary project and we thank The Royal Ballet for sharing their expertise and for giving us such a memorable learning experience.”
Kevin O’Hare, Director of The Royal Ballet, said: “We are delighted to offer this unique opportunity for pupils to enter the magical world of The Nutcracker and gain a special insight into life at The Royal Ballet.
“Through our Creative Challenge and an exclusive visit to see Sir Peter Wright’s timeless production, we aimed to encourage imagination, collaboration, self-confidence and self-expression. I hope the experience has inspired them to engage further with ballet and explore more of the wonderful work at the Royal Opera House.”
Cllr Craig Hannaway, cabinet member for children at Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, said: “This has clearly been a very educational and engaging project and we are thrilled that these children have had such a fantastic time.”