TO PERFORM alongside international professionals is the dream of many a young dancer.
Five young ballerinas from Wokingham have been given just such an opportunity, to perform with a national ballet company.
Selected by a competitive video audition earlier this year, they appear on stage with English Youth Ballet.
And one of them is playing the lead.
The ballerinas are Keira Davies, 14; Celeste Madria-Webb, 11; Isla, 12; Amy Williams, 12; and Holly Williams,17.
All of them appear in The Nutcracker, in High Wycombe.
It’s a production that stars international principal dancers and showcases the talents of 65 young dancers.
Isla, and sisters Amy and Holly Williams are pupils at The Holt School, in Wokingham.
Isla attends The Lewis Academy of Dance and will play the Mouse & Reed Pipe.
Amy and Holly study at Laura Henderson Dance Academy, and will perform as Sugar Flowers.
Celeste Madria-Webb is at St Crispin’s School.
She studies with the Elements Dance and Theatre School, and is playing a Solider & Russian Dancer.
Keira Davies attends Holme Grange School in Wokingham, and trains at the Lynette Stephenson Academy of Dance.
She has been given the leading role of Clara.
She says: “I’m a little nervous as there is lots of pressure that comes with dancing the lead role but I am so excited and can’t wait to embrace the challenge!
“I love all types of dance including acro, contemporary, tap and modern, but ballet is by far my favourite!
Keira started dancing when she was two years old.
“My mum put me into a pre primary ballet class and I loved it – now I can’t imagine life without dance,” she says.
“I love expressing how you feel through the form of dance and being able to perform to others and entertain them.
“I’m hoping to improve my confidence on stage in front of an audience and to learn about the steps that go into making a production in a short period of time.
“I would also love to meet new friends along the way.”
The story of The Nutcracker, performed to Tchaikovsky’s famous score, begins on Christmas eve.
Clara receives a nutcracker doll from her uncle, and dreams that it is transformed into a handsome prince, with whom she embarks on an exciting adventure.
The pair defeat the seven-headed Rat King and his army, and travel through the Snow Forest to reach the glittering Kingdom of the Sweets.
A dance to represent each sweet is given in Clara’s honour, including that of the Sugar Plum Fairy.
Janet Lewis MBE, and director of English Youth Ballet says: “The cast have shown great enthusiasm and excitement in their Nutcracker rehearsals.
“The children are obviously so pleased to be back dancing again and taking part in a ballet that they love.
“Since the past year of lock downs with the many restrictions, they are displaying a sense of freedom that is boosting their self-confidence and wellbeing.
“The cast are working hard not only on their ballet technique but on their performance quality that expresses the part they are dancing.
“The incentive is to be back performing again in the theatre.”
Performances of The Nutcracker are at The Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe on Tuesday, November 1, and on Wednesday, November 2.
Both events start at 8pm, with an additional matinée on Wednesday at 4pm.
Tickets costs from £25 to £32 depending on location.
For tickets and information, call the box office on: 0343 310 0060 or log on to: www.wycombeswan.co.uk
For information about the English Youth Ballet visit: www.englishyouthballet.co.uk
