Plans are in the pipeline to open a ballet school in Bradford's Priestley Theatre, it was revealed today.

The news came as young ballet dancers, pictured, were put through their paces by professionals from the Birmingham Royal Ballet on stage at the Little Germany theatre yesterday.

Thomas Sandford, chairman of The Priestley, said talks on opening the ballet school were under way.

"We're looking to convert a space in the adjoining building, where our Studio theatre is," he said.

"We'd like to turn the top floor into a permanent dance studio, with dancers' facilities like a sprung dance floor and changing rooms, and it could also be used as rehearsal space for other productions. We're looking at funding opportunities.

"We have a history of dance here. There used to be dance classes, and the JW School of Dance is now based here.

"And there's interest within the Bradford Stage and Theatre School which meets here. It would be great to have our own dance studio."

Yesterday, 35 youngsters aged between eight and 16 spent a two-hour masterclass with Birmingham Royal Ballet's (BRB) guest dance artist Gareth Griffiths, who taught sections from the ballet Giselle. After the class the youngsters put on a short performance for their parents.

The masterclass was aimed at giving youngsters in the Bradford district chance to work with top professionals.

Pupils from the Dorothy Stevens dance school in Spen, the Wilson Centre in Shipley and the Nydza School of Dance and Performing Arts in Bingley took part.

"Our masterclasses are a valuable opportunity for young dancers to experience the training we offer," said Sian Pritchard of the BRB. "We're delighted to see so many dancers here."

In March next year the BRB is staging Beauty and the Beast at the Alhambra. Sian said although the masterclass was not an audition, it allowed young dancers to show what they could do.

"It's been a really good experience," said Jordan Rhodes, 13, a pupil at Nydza School of Dance and Performing Arts in Bingley. "There are lots of us on stage at once, so it's a bit difficult to move around, but it's great training."

"It's the first time I've done anything like this," added Jenny Pearson, 13, from the same dance school. "It's hard work but I'm enjoying it and learning a lot."

Mr Sandford said the BRB masterclass was part of widespread community use now being made of The Priestley, which closed earlier this year due to a financial crisis.

It later re-opened with a new management team aiming to expand its use and attract more performing arts groups.

"It's wonderful seeing the place so full of life," said Mr Sandford. "There's a real buzz at The Priestley again."