Since the end of 2007, the youngsters aged nine to 12 have been working with Northern Ballet Theatre on creative choreography as part of Dancition.

After watching the professionals' production of Hamlet and the Nutcracker, students from Park Lane High School, Exley, Halifax, Withinfields Primary School, Southowram, Ash Green Primary School, Mixenden, Savile Park Primary School, Halifax, and Siddal Primary School devised their own routines.

Simon Collins, teacher at Withinfields, said: "Some pupils had never seen a ballet before and now they are part of a performance, having fun and learning something new at the same time."

The final performance was in front of friends, family and specially-invited guests, including representatives of the Halifax, which funded the scheme.

Karen Tighe, deputy head of sponsopship, said: "It is fantastic to create new opportunities for the children, especially activities that inspire them."

Selina McGonagle, of Northern Ballet, said: "We have seen some real development in students' confidence."