Pupils at Aldwickbury School in Harpenden were treated to the expertise of teachers from the English National Ballet.

Members of the company, including male dancer Grant Rae, took the boys through a workshop based on the innovative dance MenYMen.

This was created to celebrate the athleticism, dynamism and strength of male dancers.

The boys quickly became aware of the level of physical fitness required as well as the need for team work.

A superb session ensured the boys were able to view the art of ballet with open eyes and newfound admiration.

This is the fifth year the workshops have been held at Aldwickbury and over the years a number of boys have consequently attended ballet lessons or visited the theatre to watch performances.

In conjunction with the visit from the ENS, 34 boys aged 11, enjoyed a trip to see a performance of Strictly Gershwin which again challenged assumptions of what ballet is.