A DANCE school helped ensure it's students had all the right moves for the pantomime production of Cinderella.

Pupils from the Stalder Academy of Dance, in Sale town centre, took advantage of the school’s four studios to practise their dancing roles in the Qdos production ­— the second year they have appeared in the Opera House panto.

They didn’t have much time.

The Academy’s principal, Marina Stalder, said rehearsals in Sale began on November 24 and continued for another week.

Then, for one more week, they rehearsed with the cast in the centre of Manchester.

The show proper began on December 8.

Marina said: “The kids, in two teams of eight, are aged seven to 11. They were all from different classes here.

“We had one boy taking part. He is 10-year-old Theo Barosa-Derbyshire.

“His brother, Flynn, is currently playing John in Peter Pan in Liverpool.

“We are proud of our boys. The more boys you have, the more you get.

“We have seven boys on our competition team.

“It was hard work for the two teams of eight who appeared on alternate days in a matinee and evening performance.

“They had to arrive at least an hour before to allow time for dressing and make up.

“They appeared in many scenes especially the fabulous fairy one and the transformation scene.”

The Academy’s parents and teachers provided a chaperone service.

“We kept an eye on how they were going on and what they were doing,” said Marina.

“The children were very excited and proud. The ones who were more reticent came out self-assured.”

• Inquiries about the new term at Stalder Academy of Dance which begins on January 7, should be emailed to admissions@stalderacademy.com or telephone 0161 962 8333.