Teen ballet dancer trained in Daventry to perform with pros

Emily Greaves, 15, has danced at Love Ballet in Daventry since the age of seven and is one of 100 children shortlisted for the English Youth Ballet’s performances on March 24-25 following auditions in November last year.

With approximately 1,500 people taking part in the audition process, Emily is part of a select group and is looking forward to not only performing in the shows -The Nutcracker Suite and Ballet Etudes - but also sharing the stage with professionals.

Emily, from Maidford, said: “The rehearsals have been amazing and challenging. I have learnt so much during the last few weeks. It’s interesting to see how a professional ballet performance comes together and I’ve enjoyed meeting new people.

“I’m excited about being in this production with English Youth Ballet and having the opportunity to perform with professional dancers for the first time.

To prepare for the shows, the young dancers, aged between eight and 18, rehearsed for 60 hours at Aylesbury Grammar School.

The English Youth Ballet travels around the country giving aspiring ballet students a chance to showcase their talents alongside professional principals on a major stage in a classical ballet production.

The company is well established and, in its nineteenth year, the concept has proved so successful it has been honoured for outstanding work.

“I think what I enjoy most about working with the young dancers is seeing the development they make in their short time with English Youth Ballet,” said principal dancer Oliver Speers.

“They are treated as young professionals and we expect a lot from them. I think they surprise themselves when they really do deliver what we are asking,”

The performances are at 7.30pm on Friday, March 24, and at 2.30pm and 7.30pm on Saturday, March 25 at the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre.

Tickets start at £17.50 and are available at www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury or via the box office on 0844 871 7607.