Why are knitted tiny dancers popping up around Newcastle's West End?

Hand knitted dancing dolls have been popping up in unexpected places all over Newcastle's West End.

The soft toys, which include rabbits, pigs and bears alongside miniature woollen girls and boys, were created and hidden for a child to find to mark International Dance Day on Tuesday 29 April.

Each doll is of a unique design and was hand crafted by one of 15 dedicated members of Knitters, Movers & Shakers, a free to attend group run by touring dance theatre company balletLORENT, which is based in the city's West End.

The tiny dancers of all shapes, sizes and species, each measuring between 12-20cm, can be found in local shops, doctors surgeries, supermarkets and schools.

Each doll took around five hours to make and every ball of wool used was donated to the project.

The knitters and crocheters, who range in age from 55-87, have previously fashioned a number of intricate items for balletLORENT's touring productions, including ladybird cushions, sackfuls of giant carrots and a 'garden rug' boasting over 6,000 individually crocheted blades of grass.for The Velveteen Rabbit.

International Dance Day is an annual global event to raise public awareness of dance. Celebrated around the world since 1982, the day marks the anniversary of the birth of Jean-Georges Noverre, who is considered to be the creator of modern ballet.

James MacGillivray, education and projects manager, balletLORENT said: "To celebrate International Dance Day 2025, we’re inviting even more people to discover the joy of moving together - and making something beautiful for others. Our knitting group has lovingly created tiny dancer dolls, which have been hidden around the neighbourhood to surprise and delight. Each one is a small reminder that someone cares — and a gentle invitation to see what’s happening right on your doorstep with balletLORENT. Every doll carries a voucher for a free trial class, including yoga, grown up ballet, our free Creative Studio for ages 13-19 and parent and toddler dance class. If you find a doll, we would love you to take a picture of yourself with it and tag us on Facebook at @balletlorent."