People living in Oxford are being given a chance to learn how to pirouette with some of the country's finest ballet dancers.

The English National Ballet will be starting its national tour in Oxford this week, with its first performance taking place at the New Theatre, in George Street, on Saturday.

As part of the tour the company will be holding workshops in each town they visit, designed to give people an introduction to the dance.

The company have teamed up with Sky Arts to launch the initiative, which will be open to people of all abilities.

Katherine Ware, from Sky Arts, said: "The day will be divided into three parts, allowing participants to get up close and personal with the dancer, go behind the scenes of the English National Ballet and enjoy the evening performance, all for free.

"We have made the classes available to people to show how much fun and accessible ballet really is and demonstrate that anyone can join at any age."

Ms Ware said the workshops had been designed with this specifically in mind and would be open to all.

She said: "They are easy for anyone to get involved and take part, have fun and learn something new.

"No experience is necessary, however if you do know your demi-plies from your glissades, then this is the perfect opportunity to perfect your technique with the professionals."

The day will be made up of a morning workshop, where people will get to learn the techniques and exercises the professionals use to warm up. Later in the afternoon, people will get the chance to watch the professionals in action as they practise ahead of the evening performance of Sleeping Beauty.

In the evening people will get to watch the performance free of charge and see all the skills they have learned put into action.

But with only 28 places in the workshop, Ms Ware said people should hurry to reserve their place which are allocated on a first come, first served basis. She said: "It will be a truly fun and thrilling experience, watching the poise and artistry of the professionals.

"By the end of the day, everyone involved will be able to watch the performance with the inside knowledge and tips that no-one in the audience will know."

To book a place on the course, people need to email promotion@tpf-london.com quoting ENB Adult Ballet Class in the subject.

You will also need to include your name, date of birth, phone number, email address and the city in which you would like to take part. Entries will not be accepted after 4pm tomorrow.