YOUNG dancers have been working with professional performers ahead of a tour of local venues.

Phoenix Dance Theatre spent four days working with the youngsters at Brooklyn Youth Centre in Norton to create a short piece to be performed ahead of their critically acclaimed show REfined.

The project ‘Create Tour’ was launched in 2013, by Rural Arts, to give young people the chance to tour alongside performers while they work in the area, providing young people with valuable, professional experience.

Chloe Hampson, Rural Arts ON Tour coordinator, said it was an exciting opportunity for youngsters to experience dancing in front of an audience.

"The project also gives young people in rural areas the chance to work with professional performers," she added.

"During the workshop we have had a mix of some who have danced before and others who have never taken part in a dance performance."

Leeds based Phoenix Dance Theatre is performing at several venues in as part of Rural Arts spring ON Tour line up.

The show is a mixed programme with solos, duets and more and highlights their most popular pieces from the last five years.

As well as a curtain raiser from local young people, REfined is followed with a Q&A.

REfined will be at the Milton Rooms in Malton on Friday, April 25 and Kirkbymoorside Memorial Hall on April, 26.

Tickets and more information is available online at www.ruralarts.org

All projects are thanks to Rural Arts funders Arts Council England, Ryedale Council and North Yorkshire Youth.