It isn't every day that you get a ballet lesson from a member of the English National Ballet.

But a group of mums and toddlers in Hartcliffe took part in a special workshop yesterday given by Kerry Birkett, a ballerina who is starring in the current touring production of Cinderella.

Her visit to the Hartcliffe Children's Centre in Hareclive Road was part of a series of events taking place across the country where music and dance professionals go "back to school" to inspire children. It is all part of the Government's Tune in – Year of Music campaign.

Lynn James, headteacher at Hartcliffe Children's Centre, said: "We are all very excited about a real ballerina from the English National Ballet coming to our Sure Start centre today.

"All of our children enjoy dancing and love the fairy tale Cinderella. We hope her visit will encourage our children and their parents to watch and take part in more music and dance activities."

Ms Birkett said: "'It was a brilliant experience dancing with all the little ones, a real treat for both them and I. We had such a fun time and I'm so impressed with how much effort they had put into their fancy dress outfits and their dancing. I hope they enjoyed it as much as I did."

Rachel Branton from the English National Ballet added: "English National Ballet is thrilled to be involved in the Tune In – Year of Music campaign. We really enjoy working with young children, dancing and listening to the music helps them learn.

"We hope this visit will inspire mothers and toddlers to become more involved in dance and come and see us perform at the Bristol Hippodrome."

The English National Ballet workshop follows a music master class held in Bow, London last week by former Young Musician of the Year Natalie Clein.

In February Brit nominee Pixie Lott went "back to school" at a school in Essex to give an exclusive performance to 10-18 year olds and share her top tips for putting together a song.

The English National Ballet's production of Cinderella will be on at the Hippodrome from March 25-27.