DANCERS from the Buntingford Ballet School have competed in a choreographic competition. About 20 six-to-13-year-olds took part in 16 dances in front of an audience and an independent ajudicator. Philippa McMeehan, dance school owner, said: We were tryin

DANCERS from the Buntingford Ballet School have competed in a choreographic competition.

About 20 six-to-13-year-olds took part in 16 dances in front of an audience and an independent ajudicator.

Philippa McMeehan, dance school owner, said: "We were trying to encourage the children to think of dancing as a whole creativity process."

Before the competition pupils had to think about their music, costumes, dance steps and the story behind their routine.

"They all did really well, the creativity was great," Philippa said.

"We wanted them to express their imaginations because in dance classes we find we're constantly telling them what to do, so the competition was for them to come up with their own ideas.

"It was a confidence booster because they had an audience and an ajudicator to perform in front of and some of them were very young.

"Overall I hope it was a positive experience for them."

Pupils were awarded medals and trophies for their efforts which were judged by Suzanne Jones, who runs a ballet school.

The winners were Joanne and Laura Freeman (joint first), and Grace Russell from group one, Mae Norman, Lucy Cable, Sarah Smith-Bingham and Freya White from group two; Hugo Beazley from group three, and Chloe Woodger-Smith and Charlotte Cropper from group four.

The musicality awards went to Grace Russell and Charlotte Cropper, and the costume awards went to group two and to Fiona Nicholson, Lizzie Smith, Aimee Brooks and Josie McMeechan.

Since Philippa opened the school three years ago, the school has grown from 20 pupils to 120 pupils.

She said: "The school is going from strength to strength."

- For more details call Philippa McMeehan on 01763 271010.