A young dancer from Melksham is preparing to perform in an English Youth Ballet production, joining an elite cast of 75 dancers after highly competitive auditions.
Bella-Rose Raikes from 4Stars Dance was selected to join the English Youth Ballet (EYB) in May to dance in the production Coppélia, alongside international dancers aged eight to 18 years old.
“I am hoping to learn lots of new ballet; I love watching the older ballerinas,” said Bella-Rose. “I am really excited to be taught by the English Youth Ballet.”
English Youth Ballet (EYB) is one of the UK’s largest ballet companies, celebrated for its unique productions that combine international professional dancers with exceptional young talent from the local area. Many EYB alumni have gone on to perform with top companies, including The Royal Ballet.
“I started dancing when I was two years old. When I was little, I always danced around my house, so my mum signed me up for ballet classes,” said Bella-Rose. “The best feeling about being a dancer is that I just feel really happy whenever I dance, it’s amazing and I love it.”
The production will run on Friday 15th August and Saturday 16th August at The Playhouse Theatre in Weston. It follows the lovable Franz, who becomes smitten with a mysterious, life-like doll created by the quirky Dr. Coppelius. But when Franz’s spirited sweetheart, Swanhilda, decides to uncover the truth, chaos and comedy ensue.
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