Youngsters from Tendring got the unique chance to perform in public with the Vienna Festival Ballet.

They took to the stage at Clacton's Princes Theatre for the Toy Shop scene in Coppelia - having rehearsed with the company earlier in the day and on a number of previous occasions.

The youngsters were all from the Debbie Millar School of Dance and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

The company has been a regular visitor to the Princes Theatre - which is run by Tendring District Council (TDC) - for the past 15 years.

It ran a special afternoon workshop and education session for young people from local ballet schools, as well as rehearsing those who were to take part in the evening performance.

Stephen Mayzes, TDC's Cabinet Member for Leisure, said it really was a one-off chance for the ballet students.

"It was the first time youngsters in Tendring have actually had the chance to take to the stage with the Vienna Festival Ballet, one of Europe's most prolific touring ballet companies," he said.

"Those who were not in Coppelia had the chance to take part in a class, meet the ballerinas, talk to them and find out about their working life in an up close and personal way."

Cllr Mayzes said it was a further example of the Council involving the local community with activities at the Princes.

All those at the workshop were also given a tour of backstage at the theatre and stayed on to watch Coppelia.

1/6/09