BUDDING ballerinas are invited to a free ballet and tap taster session at Haden Hill Leisure Centre later this month.

Staff are working with the Sonia Webb Academy of Dance and Drama to launch new dance classes for children aged from two to 14.

Those interested in finding out more can attend a free taster session at the Barrs Road centre on Saturday September 22.

The sessions will begin at 3.30pm for children aged 2-5 years, and from 4.50pm for those over six years old.

Children can enjoy a taster dance class on the day and prinicipal tutor, Sonia Webb, will be available to meet parents and discuss fees, uniforms, examinations along with any queries.

Ballet and tap classes will then take place every week from Saturday September 29 onwards.

During the programme, pupils will work towards ballet and tap dance examinations and then move onto grade work and pointe training classes.

Ms Webb said: "I am delighted to be working with Sandwell Leisure Trust to deliver the new ballet and tap classes for children.

"My aim is to deliver the correct ballet and tap technique in a way that the children can absorb but still enjoy.

"I will be available at the taster session to talk to parents about what they want their child to achieve within the dance programme - whether they want to learn to dance for fun or as a training structure towards their future to get into dance college."

She has been teaching dance and drama to children and adults for 34 years. She is also an examiner and accredited tutor with the Council for Dance Education and Training.