Young performers from Moray are preparing a playful curtain raiser to a dance festival due to be held in the region next month.
The students at Dance North Scotland will step into the spotlight during Rise 2019, in advance of some of the best artists and companies from across the globe.
Yesterday the seven youngsters, who are all aged between 11 and 18, and attend schools across Moray, were rehearsing their moves at Elgin Town Hall.
The dancers engaged in energetic games of tag during the routine while also performing cartwheels across the floor and mimicking statues.
Arms were curved and stretched upwards towards the roof while the soaring soundtrack played with chimes and noises resembling the sea.
Choreographer Crystal Zillwood has travelled to the north-east from Bristol to teach the young enthusiasts as well as performing herself.
She said: “The piece I’ve been working on with the pupils has been inspired by the games we used to play when we were young.
“A lot of my work is inspired by the every-day and to try and push it into a new area. This young group has a huge potential in natural play and I wanted to develop that even further.
“It’s good because it’s already something they’re familiar with and they will bring that playfulness onto the stage in a way that will break down the barriers between play and dance.”
Dance North Scotland is curating the Rise festival, which will be held at the Universal Hall in Findhorn from May 3 to 5.
The international line-up includes performers from as far as Taiwan and Canada who will be travelling to Moray for the event.
Miss Zillwood will be performing two solo shows during the event including These Hands, inspired by the work her family do on their farm in Devon, and Rituals, which explores religion and prayer.
She added: “There is so much movement and rhythm that can be linked to dance from our every-day lives. It’s very interesting to explore that and bring it out.”
