DESKS were out, dance was in at Broomfield Primary School in Northallerton this week.

Pupils were thrilled to join in routines led by Shantha Rao from the Annapurma Indian Dance Company. The haunting music and movement even had staff wanting to join in.

Since it was formed in 1993, the company has brought dance and arts projects to more than 500 schools in the country.

At Broomfield, children aged seven to 11 were invited to dress up in traditional costumes brought by the company to make up their own routines after watching Shantha Rao's demonstration.

The idea is that through the experience of dance, children will become aware of different cultures.