Girls to appear in production at Buxton Opera House

The youngsters are in rehearsals for The Double Bill of Sleeping Beauty – Aurora’s Wedding & Ballet Études, being staged on October 19 and 20.

The lucky six are Isabelle Smith, Rose Singh, Grace Bischof, Julia Cusworth, Belle Mousdell and Charlotte Bunch.

Julia Cusworth, 15, from Handforth, said: “I was three and a half when I started dancing - my grandma sent me to my first ballet class because she always wanted a grandchild dancing.

“I am most looking forward to getting a realistic experience in a ballet company and performing on stage.

“When I’m older I would like to be a performer, be that in the realms of dancing or singing or a bit of everything.”

The ballet will star international principal dancers Philip Tunstall, Monica Tapiador, Samantha Camejo, Clair Corruble and Oliver Speers.

All the soloist and corps de ballet roles in the production will be performed by 84 of the best dancers aged eight to 18 from the local area.

Tickets can be bought at the box office on 01298 72190 or online at buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

English Youth Ballet held an audition for the ballet at the Buxton Opera House in June, with more than 150 young hopefuls turning up to the two auditions, which were held on the stage.

Director and founder of EYB Janet Lewis was on the lookout for the hottest young dance talent to join her award-winning company for the production.

Miss Lewis said: “EYB is all about providing extra performance experience to young dancers. We saw a very pleasing standard at the audition and it was lovely to see lots of enthusiasm.”

Rehearsals are taking place at Buxton Community High School.

Oliver Speers is one of EYB’s principal dancers and coaches the young dancers in rehearsals.

He said: “The young dancers are treated like professional dancers during rehearsals – we work them hard, but the results are fantastic.

“They learn what the life of a professional dancer is like. They are living their dream and love it.”