Three talented young dancers from Tameside are preparing to take to the stage alongside internationally acclaimed professional performers after earning places in the prestigious English Youth Ballet (EYB) production of Swan Lake.
In March, Holly Philburn, Margot Kennedy and Hope Warner successfully secured places in the elite cast of 97 dancers following highly competitive auditions.
Hope Warner, 13, from Stalybridge, trains at Kirsten’s Dance Academy and says dance has been part of her life for as long as she can remember.
“I’ve danced for as long as I can remember. I started at 2 years old,” Hope said. “I wasn’t initially at Kirstens Dance Academy and moved there when I was 3. When I started there, I realised how much I loved dance and it has become a big part of my life. Now I can’t imagine my life without it or my KDA family.”
Hope also spoke about the excitement of performing and being part of a team.
“The best feeling is after weeks of learning and perfecting a troupe or performance to be able to perform it in front of an audience and the reaction.
“The feeling you have as a team is the best feeling.”
As part of the EYB experience, Hope is looking forward to learning from professional dancers and improving her technique.
“At EYB, I am hoping to learn lots to build on my technique. I am excited to learn from the principal dancers and to build on my pointe work.”
Joining Hope in the production are Margot Kennedy, 11, from Droylsden, who trains at Kennedy Performing Arts, and Holly Philburn, 13, from Hyde, who also trains at Kirsten’s Dance Academy.
EYB Principal Ann Wall, who will star as Odette, The White Swan, in the production, says the experience offers young dancers a unique insight into the professional ballet world.
Ann Wall said: “Being part of EYB is an amazing experience for any young dancer. I feel privileged to be a principal dancer with the company. I enjoy teaching and coaching all the young dancers and I see some of the most talented young dancers in the county.”
She added: “I feel honoured to be a role model to the dancers and help give them an insight into the world of professional ballet. Dancing with EYB is an experience that will stay with the young dancers forever.”