SOME of these tots might barely be walking but it didn’t deter them from donning their dancing shoes.
Budding ballerinas in Sheffield are getting off to an exceptionally early start with the help of new classes from Beighton-based Noodle Performance Arts.
And babies and toddlers turned out in force as sessions got under way.
Toes twinkled and tutus shimmered under the instruction of ballet teacher Jess McVeigh.
Noodle enlisted her help to devise a ballet programme for youngsters from walking age up to three after demand from parents.
And the classes have proved so popular that extra sessions have been put on at Ecclesall Parish Church hall and Beighton Lifestyle Centre. The company will launch them in Totley and Dronfield after Christmas. Nikki Johnson, director of Noodle, said: “Some of them are only just walking and they’re coming to us.
“There are so many parents wanting their children to get involved with dance but they tell us that nowhere takes them from such a young age. I’ve been inundated with calls since we started.
“We use a lot of singing and music in sessions to help children develop communications skills.”
Each class lasts half an hour, with children learning to stretch, point their toes and do small sequences.
And while it is mostly little girls who attend, Nikki is keen for more budding Billy Elliots to join.
She said: “There are some boys who come to us but we’d love to have more. Ballet is for everyone.”
n For details, email nikki@noodleperformancearts.com or call on 07984 461711.
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