Diversity star Ashley Banjo brings magic of Disney to Oldbury youngsters
Magic, sparkle and a little pixie dust were sprinkled across youngsters from the county who twisted and twirled with dance star Ashley Banjo.
The frontman of dance group Diversity, who shot to fame after winning Britain's Got Talent in 2009, got little stars of the future moving at a special Disney-themed workshop.
Pupils from Oldbury's Lightwoods Primary School joined the dancing star at a Birmingham studio for the one-off workshop ahead of Disney on Ice shows being staged from this week.
Youngsters crafted stories and choreography as they delved into the wonderful world of Disney for the company's Fit to Dance initiative.
The 29-year-old dancer said: "It’s great to be involved in Disney On Ice’s Fit to Dance programme as it inspires children to get creative while being active and having fun.
"Encouraging children to perform and use their imagination is something I do for a living, so I’m naturally behind any programme that does that.
"Their imagination never ceases to amaze me, that's why the workshops were so good."
Inspired by timeless Disney classics, children created their own stories before performing with a little help from the Diversity dancer and a Disney on Ice cast member.
Disney A-listers Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse even stopped by to surprise the youngsters and gaze at their special performances.
Mr Banjo said he felt 'incredible' knowing he was inspiring young dancers to follow in his footsteps, adding: "Dancing completely changed my life and all the Diversity dancers' lives.
"I would like to think that Diversity inspires a lot of young kids to get up and dance, especially boys. It's nice to inspire kids to do something that isn't necessarily playing an Xbox or PlayStation or on the iPhone.
"You don't set out to do it, but you try your best to be a decent role model. The fact that you have a bit of a positive influence now and again, just makes you want to keep on going and doing better."
Skaters are set to bring to life the magic of Disney when Disney On Ice Presents Passport to Adventure comes to Arena Birmingham from October 18 until October 29.
The Fit to Dance pre-show programme will see audiences invited to join in an upbeat dance routine with Disney characters before skaters take to the ice.
For more information see disneyonice.co.uk
