Express & Star

Pudsey helps youngsters crack The Nutcracker

School pupils welcomed Children in Need mascot Pudsey into their rehearsal for an upcoming ballet performance.

Published

Pupils at Lyncroft House Preparatory School were given a few tips on how to tackle The Nutcracker by Pudsey and two students from the world-renowned Elmhurst Ballet School.

Kianna Stephens and Niamh Robinson, who are in their senior year at the associate school of the Birmingham Royal Ballet, demonstrated to the children how the moves could look with some practise while the charity mascot joined in.

Ian Sterling, head of Lyncroft House, said: “To see Pudsey ‘dancing’ around with five and six-year-olds was quite an entertaining sight.

"Between him and the outstanding dancers from Elmhurst, I hope the pupils have picked up some ballet tips that they can use in their performance.

"The children had so much fun and I can’t thank everyone enough for coming along to join in.” Ballet students Niamh Robinson and Kianna Stephens said: “On behalf of Elmhurst Ballet School, we're thrilled to have been given the opportunity to join the children of Chase Grammar School in a very special ballet class with Pudsey, BBC Children in Need's amazing mascot.

“The children and Pudsey are all brilliant dancers and we wish the school and the BBC all the very best with their fundraising.

"We hope they raise lots of money for many special causes.

"We also hope the children and Pudsey can visit us at Elmhurst Ballet School one day soon.”

The Lyncroft House pupils will be performing The Nutcracker this Christmas.