Gala performance by The Royal Ballet School at St Swithun's School, Winchester, in aid of St John Ambulance

SHE pirouetted, teetered on her points and was flung about (gracefully of course) by her partner.

Nutnaree Pipithsuksunt may be a mere teenager but the years of gruelling training have created a ballet dancer who can already entrance.

And the audience, clearly buoyed by champagne, knew they were watching someone on the cusp of a successful professional career who also possessed that illusive polish which cannot be taught.

The Royal Ballet School brought 27 students, aged between 17 and 19, for its first visit to Hampshire.

They performed a wide range of works, from the Peasant Pas de Deux from Giselle (a jolly bit from one of those ballets with nasty endings) to the vibrant modern A Touch of Tango.

Without an orchestra between the action and the audience you were so close you could hear the company huff like baby heifers during periods of particular exertion.

While your enjoyment was certainly enhanced by the close proximity and the standard was breathtakingly high, slight slips occasionally reminded you the dancers' very best performances are ahead of them.

But generally superb - and just a shame it wasn't fully sold out.