Local ballerinas had the opportunity to learn from world-renowned ballet star Miko Fogarty last weekend thanks to a serendipitous turn of events.

Miko was travelling the country teaching with Dance Masters International as part of the group’s Winter Workshops programme when a change in travel arrangements meant she was able to spend two full days working one-on-one with young dancers at Wanaka studio Pointe Central.

Pointe Central teacher Briony Martin is still in shock from the visit. “I’m actually still pinching myself, I can’t believe it actually all happened,” she said.

Miko, who is a Moscow International Ballet Competition gold medallist, is an idol to many of the students at the school, Briony said, and one of the students had even been studying her for the South Island Ballet Awards competition earlier this year.

14-year-old Mia Cohen with her warm up booties autographed in gold by Miko Fogarty.

“To then have that person in the same room as you is just an opportunity that only comes around once in a blue moon,” Briony told the Wanaka App.

As well as teaching the students Miko signed “about a hundred million” pointe shoes and took many photos with her fans.

Mia Waite was one of the lucky students working with Miko over the weekend.

Miko Fogarty (L) teaches 12-year-old Isabel Martin (R) on the barre.

“This was such a special experience. It was so inspiring and I think I definitely improved during the hour I had with Miko,” Mia said. “It was so cool being able to hear critiques from such an amazing ballerina. What a crazy and amazing opportunity to have in my hometown.”

Miko told the school that she would love to return to Wanaka in the summertime and Pointe Central are “crossing their fingers” it will happen, Briony said.

 PHOTOS: @charlottekiriphotography