Ten talented dancers from Wilmslow have been selected to perform for the English Youth Ballet.
Sarah Brooks (10), Julia Cuswoth (12), Jessica Dixon (12), Katrina Ellis (15), Lucia Holt (9), Rachel McCann (15), Susannah Phythian (14), Sophie Pythian (17), Charlotte Stanley (8) and Sophie Turner (10) are currently in rehearsals for the Nutcracker - performances of which will take place at the Buxton Opera House next month.
Sophie Phythian, who attends Pendleton Performing Arts College, said "I started dancing when I was 2 and a half. I think it was my mother's influence because she wanted me to start. My mum and my grandma used to dance when they were younger. I think working with English Youth Ballet is a great experience. It is good to work with the professional dancers and to be in a real ballet. In the future I would like to dance in the West End and on cruise ships."
English Youth Ballet (EYB) held two auditions for the ballet in June this year which were attended by over 200 young hopeful dancers.
Director and founder of EYB, Miss Janet Lewis MBE said "EYB is all about providing extra performance experience to young dancers. We saw a very pleasing standard at the audition today and it was lovely to see lots of enthusiasm."
The ten dancers from Wilmslow are amongst 91 of the most talented young dancers from a 100 mile radius of Buxton in the production. Principal dancer Amy Drew will be dancing the leading role of the Sugar Plum Fairy and she is training the young cast in rehearsals. She previously danced with the Tasmanian Ballet Company and Ballet Ireland.
Amy said "Rehearsals for Nutcracker are going very well in Buxton and I am really enjoying getting to know the young dancers. It is wonderful having such talented young people all in the same place and working together. I think that there is a unique and wonderful synergy that takes place because all the dancers learn so much from watching each other and from watching the professionals too.
"Our production of Nutcracker is very colourful and magical and I think that the young dancers are really excited about getting on the stage at the Buxton Opera House."
Nutcracker will be presented by English Youth Ballet at the Buxton Opera House on 13th and 14th November. Tickets can be purchased at the Box Office 01298 72190 or online www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk.
Photo (from left to right):
Back line: Rachel McCann, Susannah Phythian, Julia Cusworth, Sophie Phythian
Front line: Jessica Dixon, Sarah Brooks, Charlotte Stanley, Sophie Turner, Eva Ellis, Lucia Holt
