YOUNGSTERS were jumping for joy when they were given a masterclass by two ballet greats.

Royal Ballet’s Michael Berkin and Emily Edwards spent at day at Bolton School's Beech House to inspire the infants there to develop a love of dance.

Both Michael and Emily are now with the Professional Dance Experience and staged a fun-filled day of ballet workshops based on the much loved ballet classic The Nutcracker.

Pupils in years one and two at Beech House Infant School took part in classical ballet exercises. They also learned about the story of The Nutcracker including about the characters, costume as well as the history of the ballet — before performing it in front of teachers.

Eesa Chariwala, aged seven, said: “I really liked making up our own solos using the balances we learned. It was quite fun and easy.

“ I want to do more ballet because it’s like gymnastics, and I really like that. Some of the moves are also like the ones I learn at Kung Fu!”

Hannah Faulkner, aged six, added: “I enjoyed when we were practicing poses and running from one corner to the other. I used to do ballet when I was younger, and I want to do more now.”

Michael said he was delighted to have inspired by the children. He said: “This is how I got into ballet — a professional ballet dancer came into my school, and I was inspired by the how he could leap and twirl and spin.

"That’s the whole idea of the Professional Dance Experience Workshops — to give the children the experience of what the world of professional ballet is like.”

Emily added: “When I was dancing professionally, the Rambert Ballet School in London had an extensive education programme.

“We would go into loads of primary schools and secondary schools and do workshops around the UK, so I was already interested in teaching.”

The event was organised by teacher Nikki Donnelly. She said: “The workshops were really inspiring and exciting dance sessions, and they gave our children a unique chance to learn with the professionals. What a wonderful opportunity for all our pupils at Beech House, particularly our budding ballet dancers."