SCHOOLCHILDREN across the district will take part in a major celebration of dance and singing as part of Bradford 2025.

Three of the UK's leading ballet and opera organisations are working together in the first initiative of its kind.

Royal Ballet and Opera, Northern Ballet and Opera North – together with locally-based artists – will collaborate with more than 2,000 primary school pupils in a series of workshops.

Through the Sing, Dance, Leap venture, students will create new music and choreography and then take part in a mass participation performance next June.

Royal Ballet and Opera began working in Bradford district last year.

It introduced RBO Schools, a project which provides free teacher training, lessons and learning resources to encourage students to engage with opera and ballet.

And it launched Chance to Dance, a programme that links primary and dance schools.

Tom Whitehead, a Bradford-born principal character artist with The Royal Ballet, was involved in the district's first Chance to Dance event earlier this year.

He says: "I feel extremely proud to have been able to bring the art form I love so much to Bradford as part of the Chance to Dance programme, and now as part of Bradford 2025.

"Bradford district has a rich cultural heritage, and Sing, Dance, Leap is about celebrating the young people who are the future of that culture through dancing and singing.

"It’s always amazing to show ballet and opera to people who may not have experienced it before, but of course it’s extra special to be able to do it in my hometown."

Jillian Barker, director of learning and participation at Royal Ballet and Opera, welcomes the collaboration.

She says: "We're delighted to be working with the young people of Bradford district – alongside Opera North, Northern Ballet and local artists – to celebrate Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture.

"Everyone should have the chance to be creative, and we are honoured that we have the opportunity to work together with Bradford students on a piece inspired by their own creativity. We look forward to continuing our work in Bradford beyond 2025 to ensure the district’s young people continue to have access to these extraordinary artforms."

Laura Canning, for Opera North, says: "Bradford 2025 is going to be a remarkable year. We can’t wait to join forces with Royal Ballet and Opera, and Northern Ballet, to help bring students' stories to life."