A HEAD teacher spoke of her delight after 25 of her pupils were selected to take part in a new dance scheme.

Ballet Cymru has announced it is working with community dance organisations throughout Wales to provide a Duets scholarship programme.

The scheme will ensure children and young people experience high quality ballet and dance provision on a weekly basis and develop pathways of progression to further their training.

Ballet Cymru spent a week at Ysgol Ty Ffynnon in Shotton, the first school outside of Cardiff to be part of the project.

A spokesman for Ballet Cymru said: "Two dance practitioners joined us from our partners NEW Dance who, following their training with Ballet Cymru, will lead the Duets programme at the school from September 2019.

"During the week Ballet Cymru and NEW Dance worked with 123 children from years three to six and all participated in an exciting, high energy, creative ballet session led by Ballet Cymru.

"Throughout the week Ballet Cymru and NEW Dance selected 25 children who gave amazing energy and enthusiasm in the dance sessions and also has potential to develop their dance technique and performance skills further over the next two years.

"The 25 children were invited on to the scholarship programme which begins in September.

"Ballet Cymru would like to thank Paul Hamlyn Foundation and the Arts Council of Wales for the financial support which will allow the Duets programme to develop on a national scale."

Nia Goldsmith, head teacher at Ysgol Ty Fynnon, said: "We're thrilled to have been chosen as the first school outside of Cardiff to be involved with the programme. "The opportunities and experiences the children will receive are second to none.

"The children are very excited and Ballet Cymru see real potential in them."

Duets will create inspirational dance opportunities for these 25 scholars by removing the barriers that they face.

The programme will include the weekly scholarship dance sessions and a week- long summer school in 2020.

On completion, Ballet Cymru and NEW Dance will offer an additional years training as part of the Duets Legacy Programme.

The Duets Scholars will also have the opportunity to work with Ballet Cymru professional dancers, visit theatres to watch Ballet Cymru perform their latest productions and also perform themselves at events and as curtain raisers.