These children swapped pencils and pens for a lesson on pointy toes and posture.
Learning the five different feet positions in ballet
Ballet is not normally on the curriculum for Park Gate Primary students. But while performers from the English National Ballet school were in town for a show, the children learned how to gracefully glide across the stage in a performance workshop.
Dancer Danielle Jones from the ballet school took two two-hour sessions, accompanied by a pianist, teaching the children professional techniques themed around Strictly Gershwin, which she was performing at the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton.
The stage production is a celebration of classical composer George Gershwin’s work and the razzmatazz of the big band era and Hollywood musicals. The dancers soar through a host of Gershwin favourites, including An American in Paris, I Got Rhythm and Summertime.
Pupils leaping their way into showbiz
During the workshop the youngsters learned the key skills of ballet, including the important positions of the feet – first, second, third, fourth and fifth.
There were plenty of pliés, smiling faces and leaping bodies whizzing around at the school in Northmore Road.
Head teacher Rebecca Kingsland said it was a great motivator for the children to learn and excel in new skills.
“Two years ago the English National Ballet came to do a performance workshop on Swan Lake,” she said. “It was such a great experience and such high quality that we decided to do it again.
“It enriches the curriculum and broadens the children’s experience boundaries with experts at the school.
Feet out in fourth position
“It introduces them to somebody outside the school who has worked hard and is something we couldn’t offer at the school usually.
“They get enjoyment from doing it and a desire to want to see the ballet.”