WOKINGHAM-based ballet dancing sisters will see a dream come true later this month, as they joins the English Youth Ballet for a production of the timeless story of Coppelia.
In November, 17-year-old Holly Williams and 12-year-old Amy were selected to join the cast following a competitive online audition process.
There are six professional principals and 54 selected dancers aged from eight to 18. Competition for the places is so intense that only the best make it to the performances. And if previous years are anything to go by, they are in for a bright future: some alumni dance for famous companies including the Royal Ballet.
Holly (17) is studying A Level Dance at Henley College and Amy (12) is at The Holt School and has been dancing since she was two-and-a-half.
Both dance at Laura Henderson Dance Academy, and are delighted to be joining the English Youth Ballet, which is one of the UK’s largest ballet companies.
In Coppelia, Amy will play a Czardas Dancer and a Morning Hours Dancer.
The show tells the story of how a man falls in love with life-like doll. His jealous lover takes her friends on an adventure to confront the inventor of the doll. How can there be a happy ending and an extravagant wedding celebration?
Proud mum Esther said: “Both Holly and Amy have performed with EYB previously in Swan Lake and The Nutcracker and are thoroughly looking forward to learning their new routines and performing in Coppelia.
“Amy, who has aspirations of becoming a professional ballerina one day, said the whole experience of rehearsals and ballet training with the professional team is amazing, and they have made some great friends along the way.
“Both girls agree that performing on stage with the professionals is absolutely inspiring. They feel very fortunate to have been selected by Miss Lewis and her team.”
Lyndsey Fraser will be starring as the Swanhilda in the production. Before joining EYB she danced with the Vienna Festival Ballet.
She said: “I wish I had danced with EYB when I was young. The dancers learn so much about performance skills and the artistry of ballet. I love working as a principal dancer with EYB because I get to dance fantastic roles and teach and watch the young dancers progress.
“The sets and costumes in the production are superb and the whole experience is one the young dancers (and the audiences) will never forget.”
The show will be performed at The Beck Theatre on Sunday, February 26, at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 0343 310 0044, or log on to www.becktheatre.org.uk
