A CLASS of young dance students are set to perform their interpretation of a fairytale children's book, written by a classical ballerina.

Students from Kate Simmons Dance School (KS Dance) on Bridge Lane, in Woolston, will be showcasing their version of Elaine Mayson's book, Ballerina in Danger, at The Brindley in Runcorn on March 24 and 25.

The book is the second in a series, called Isabella and the Pink House, which follows Isabella on an adventure in Paris as she tries to rescue a ballerina.

Elaine, who has been writing children's books for six years, has rewritten a version of the story to make it suitable for the group of around 70 girls, aged between five and 11.

The classical ballerina, turned children's author, trained at the Rambert Ballet School, before dancing as a soloist for nine years with English National Ballet and guesting around the world as a prima ballerina.

She said: "A version of the story has been put together for the KS Dance School performance, taking out the complicated aspects.

"The characters have been changed so the girls can all be ballerinas – something they aspire to be.

"There are lots of lovely characters and costumes."

Elaine, who lives in London, previously worked with KS Dance School's owner, Kate Simmons, as dancers and regularly visits the children - having re-trained as a photographer.

She said she has 'always love writing', and aside from children's books, often writes dance reviews.

The youngsters, who have been preparing since January, are being led by Tracey Moss, deputy principal of the junior programme, who has been at the studio for 30 years.

The 51-year-old, from Leigh, said: "The children have been fabulous and have really engaged with the storyline, even down to the youngest who is only five years old.

"They have been enthusiastic and excitable about the ballet – this has been enhanced by the author visiting the school.

"She has taken the most wonderful photographs of the ballet and spent some time chatting to them about the book."

KS Dance School will also be performing Don Quixote at the Brindley from March 23 to 25.

Tickets are available at thebrindley.org.uk or from the box office on 0151 907 8360