A Newport-based ballet company and its supporters are dancing with delight after winning a coveted award.

Independent Ballet Wales were among a prestigious line-up honoured by the National Dance Critics Circle.

Among those collecting glittering prizes at the ceremony in the famous Sadler's Wells were the Royal Ballet, the Bolshoi and legendary ballerina Dame Beryl Gray.

Independent Ballet Wales were joint winners of the Audience Award along with the Northern Ballet Theatre.

Artistic director Darius James was presented with the award by Lionel Blair, the dancer who is star of stage and screen.

Britain's dance community and its supporters were out in full force and among the guests were ballerina Darcey Bussell, choreographer and Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips and culture minister David Lammy.

The Critics Circle National Dance Awards hold a special importance for the dance fraternity and to win is a major honour.

There are two chances to catch the excellent Independent Ballet Wales at the Riverfront Theatre in Newport this year.

On June 28, they are performing an interpretation of Coppelia, one of the world's favourite classical ballets.

On August 4, the company presents Perspectives - an evening of "fresh, sexy and original work".

And in July and August, Independent Ballet Wales is running Summer Dance. These workshops offer courses to suit every type of dancer from street to ballet, beginners to advanced.