The dreams of five young dancers have come true as they have been selected to appear in a professional production of a well-loved classical ballet.
Martha Burwood (8), Esme Billings (10), Susannah Phythian (10), Shoko Ito (12) and Sophie Phythian (13) have all been chosen by English Youth Ballet (EYB) to appear in a professional production of Nutcracker in Stoke-On-Trent.
They have won the opportunity to dance alongside EYB's international principal artists in three performances on Friday 24th and Saturday 25th June at the Regent Theatre.
Both Shoko and Esme are from Alderley Edge School for Girls. Shoko attends the Sue Morris School of Ballet which is held at Alderley Edge Methodist Church, whilst Esme goes to the Congleton Ballet School.
Sisters Susannah, from Ashdene Primary School and Sophie, from Wilmslow High School, attend the Handforth and Prestbury School of Dance with Martha Burwood from St. Benedict's Catholic Primary School.
The young dancers are currently experiencing the life of a professional ballet dancer whilst undergoing an 11-day intensive rehearsal process at Biddulph High School.
Company Manager, Ben Garner, said "Working with English Youth Ballet will most probably be the highlight of these talented young dancer's careers, to date.
"The audiences watching EYB are in for a unique and exciting experience too. They will be seeing both top international principal artists and the best up-and-coming young talent from their region – sharing the stage."
The Nutcracker will be at The Regent Theatre, Stoke-On-Trent for three performances only: Friday 24th June at 7.30pm and Saturday 25th June at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.
For tickets call 0844 871 7649 or visit: www.ambassadortickets.com/stoke.
Photo: (l-r) Esme Billings (10), Susannah Phythian (10), Martha Burwood (8), Shoko Ito (12), Sophie Phythian (13).
