Sadler's Wells performance

A group of children made their theatrical debut at one of London's most prestigous theatres.

Pupils from four London schools have spent four months learning how to dance.

They performed today at Sadler's Wells.

Sharon Thomas was there.

Children who have not experienced dance from five London primary schools, today got the chance to do just that.

After a four-month pilot the pupils took to the stage at Sadler's Wells Theatre in Clerkenwell to show them the benefits of these classes.

If the pilot is successful, a three-year scheme could be rolled out to even more of the capital's schools.

A four-month pilot project has just come to an end involving five London primary schools.

The project targeted children who have not had experience of dance or in fact theatre and teachers inexperienced in teaching dance, to show them the benefits of dance and the value of dance education.

Today the children provided their own performance following months of workshops and education. It is being evaluated by two education experts for academic benefits and if successful will lead to a three-year project for many more schools.

The project, Dance Quest, has been set up by The Prince's Foundation for Children & the Arts and has involved education and dance practitioners from Sadler's Wells, Wayne McGregor and Random Dance.

Hundreds of children from some of the most deprived parts of London are performing on stage at Sadler's Wells Theatre this lunchtime.

It's part of a pilot project run by The Prince's Foundation for Children and the Arts which aims to give youngsters who have not had any experience of dance or the theatre a chance to showcase their skills. If it is a success it will become a three-year scheme.