A BROTHER and sister are heading to Hollywood after they were both picked for a major production with the English Youth Ballet.
Ava Anley, 11, and Max, 10, will star alongside some of the world’s leading dancers in the show set in the glamorous era of 1950s Tinsel Town movies.
The youngsters, from Farley Hill, were among hundreds of hopefuls who took part in auditions earlier this year.
They will spend around 80 hours in rehearsals before the show, Cinderella in Hollywood, opens next month at The Hawth Theatre in Crawley.
Delighted mum Jo said: “They are both really thrilled and delighted to be involved, and maybe just a little nervous too.
“It is a really big production, the first they have auditioned for, so to be selected in a great honour.
“There is a lot of hard work to do before but they can’t wait to be on the stage.”
Max only started ballet after going to watch his sister, Ava, at their local dance school.
“He got fed up waiting outside so he asked if he could join in,” added Jo.
“Max really enjoyed it and they both became very enthusiastic. They both enjoy other activities including sports and Max says ballet has helped with cricket and rugby.
“They attend a weekly lesson but Cinderella in Hollywood will mean much longer rehearsals. In all it is about 80 hours over 11 days.”
The show takes its inspiration from the film star Grace Kelly who met Prince Rainier of Monaco at a press party and later married him.
The music combines Shostakovich jazz suites with tunes from Hollywood films, Tea For Two, China Town and Dancing In the Dark.
Brazilian principal dancer Samantha Camejo will dance the leading role of Cinderella and will train the young cast in rehearsals.
“The young dancers are treated just like the professionals,” she explained.
“They discover what having a dance career might be like, both in the studio and on the stage.
“It is an amazing experience for them.”
Jo added that Ava and Max who attend St Neots Prep School were looking forward to their first major show: “They are really excited.
“I am too and I might just shed a tear or two on the night.”
Cinderella in Hollywood runs at The Hawth Theatre, Crawley from on November 9 and 10. Tickets are available from the Box Office 01293 553636 or by logging on to www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/The-Hawth
