6:04pm Thursday 30th August 2007
By Dan Webber
Pupils leapt back in time - with help from one of the country's leading ballet companies.
Top musicians, choreographers and dancers from the world-renowned Northern Ballet Theatre (NBT) pirouetted to The Girls' Grammar School, Bradford to give pupils a rare insight into their glamorous world.
Talented pupils revived the spirit, style and dance steps of the Roaring Twenties by learning some of the moves from NBT production, "I Got Rhythm", which wowed audiences throughout the country earlier this year.
Lynda Brabbins, PE and dance tutor at the Squire Lane school, said: "We have had a partnership with them for about five years. From going to watch them at the theatre and finding out more we decided to invite them into school. The girls absolutely love dancing with them."
Education officer Sophie Adler, company dancer Andy Barker and pianist Richard Kenwood-Herriott took around 20 girls, aged 15 to 18, through some of the dances which featured in the popular production, inspired by the music of George Gershwin, during three days of workshops.
Miss Adler said: "This residency gives the pupils a fantastic opportunity to experience dance with the region's premier ballet company.
"I Got Rhythm is a stylish and energetic production, so for these young people who already have a passion for dance, this is a great chance to learn some of the steps and work creatively with the themes within it.
"I always really enjoy coming here. The pupils really enjoy it and are very keen to learn more - that really comes across."
The Girls' Grammar School, Bradford runs both junior and senior dance clubs, which meet after school once a week. Each spring both unite to stage an annual dance extravaganza. Some of the dances learnt with the NBT's help, including interpretations of Rhapsody in Blue and Summertime, will feature in next year's show.
Mrs Brabbins said sessions with the company helped pupils improve their own technique and "learn how to put themselves across with impact".
"They get a great deal out of it," said Mrs Brabbins. "From the training they can improve their listening skills and work on their memories. Dancers need to have extremely good memories!"
The NBT is set to return to the school for two further residencies in October and November this year, when pupils will be guided through the NBT's autumn production, Romeo and Juliet, set to run for five days at Bradford's Alhambra Theatre from Tuesday, October 23.
School dance captain Lydia Shelton, 16, said: "Dancing definitely teaches you teamwork and keeps you fit."
Year ten pupil Sophie Hall, 14, remained one step ahead of her school peers during the workshops. She already dances with the NBT four times a week as part of their youth group and stressed the importance of eating right.
"To dance you have to have carbohydrate for energy and protein for your muscles," said Sophie.
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