DANCERS got into the spirit of the animal world today (May 23) as they prepare for a performance inspired by a County Durham museum’s exhibition.

North-East graduate dance company, FERTILE GROUND, performed parts of their contemporary piece Elephant Dances, at The Witham, in Barnard Castle.

The dance has been inspired by The Bowes Museum’s upcoming exhibition A British Museum Spotlight Tour - From Temple to Home: Celebrating Ganesha which opened on May 21.

Choreographed by Dora Frankel, the dance pays homage to the great elephant which is connected with the elephant-headed god, Lord Ganesha.

The god holds a special place in the hearts of millions of Hindus around the world as the patron of arts and sciences, intellect and wisdom and as the god of beginnings; he is also honoured at the start of rituals and ceremonies.

The work promises to be evocative and provocative – crossing cultural boundaries and with the potential to transport audiences through time and across continents.

There will also be an opportunity for visually impaired audience members to touch the tactile costume of the dancers prior to the performance, enhancing the experience for all present.

The piece will be performed as part of Dancing the Road at The Witham, on Friday, May 27, and on its own at a Gala performance at The Bowes Museum on June 25.

Tickets for the performance at The Witham cost £10 or £7.50 for concessions and are available from the box office 01833-631 107 or online at thewitham.org.uk

The Gala performance on June 25will be held at 2.30pm and is free with normal admission fees to the museum.