Top ballet school's free lessons for inner-city pupils

Children in some of London's most deprived neighbourhoods are being given free weekly ballet classes by one of Britain's top dance schools.

The Central School of Ballet in Clerkenwell hopes to make classical dance appeal to a more diverse audience, by opening it up to inner-city pupils.

Classes are being offered to children at three primaries in Southwark, which has one of the highest rates of child poverty in the country.

They also aim to boost health and fitness, creativity, discipline and good behaviour. Ellie Savva, 24, who is teaching them, said: "It's great to give these students the opportunity. It's good for discipline because children spend a lot of time on Facebook and YouTube and I think it reduces their attention span.

"They have progressed very quickly. They file in and sit with straight backs as I take the register. They're really keen to learn and are putting their hearts and souls into it." It is the first time many have come into contact with ballet. David Ijishakin, nine, of Alfred Salter school in Rotherhithe, said he was convinced to join when his teacher said it would help him be a better footballer.

"I thought if it helped me with my football no one would tease me," he said. "It's really enjoyable and I like the exercise. If I got to a certain stage I'd go to a professional ballet school. I'd like to audition for Billy Elliot."

Nikita Allueva, eight, added: "I like football and tennis and it helps with those. After I started ballet I got better at hitting the ball. I think I'm a good dancer. I like doing the pliés, the bends and the galloping."

The classes, for seven to 11-year-olds, are at Alfred Salter and also take pupils from Redriff primary in Rotherhithe and St James Primary. About 100 children have turned up so far. Shaun Dellenty, Alfred Salter's deputy head, said: "This enables students to access first-class dance training on their doorsteps - something that hasn't been available previously."

The project is funded by The Ironmongers' Company, one of the 12 livery companies of the City of London. The ballet school hopes more funding will allow the project to expand to other areas. Students showing potential will be encouraged to join its Saturday school, for which bursaries are available. England footballer Rio Ferdinand attended classes there for four years after winning a scholarship aged 11.

A report this year by the Child Poverty Action Group said 34 per cent of children in Southwark were living in poverty. For more information visit centralschoolofballet.co.uk