Two young dancers’ dreams have come true, after they were selected to join the cast of English Youth Ballet’s Giselle.
Talented young ballet dancers Charlotte Aldridge and Olivia Hamson, both 11, successfully auditioned for the professional production, which will see them perform alongside international professional dancers.
They were chosen to be part of the 95-strong cast in March, after the hugely competitive auditions, and are currently experiencing the life of a professional dancer in rehearsals.
Charlotte, of Newark, said: “I started dancing when I was three years old when my mum signed me up. I have carried on ever since because I like how you can just dance whenever you want to.
“The best things about being a dancer are that you can feel like you can dance openly and express yourself. I love performing in shows.
“While I’m with English Youth Ballet I’d like to improve my technique and have fun. Dancing is hard work, but the sense of achievement makes it feel a lot better. When I'm not dancing, I like to hang out with my friends.”
Charlotte dances at the Danielle Rawlinson School of Dance and Theatre Arts.
Olivia, of Granby, said: “I started dancing when I was three years old and my mum thought I would enjoy it.
“I love the freedom you have to express yourself without anyone judging you. When you nail a really hard step or move — it’s the best feeling.
“I’m looking forward to getting more performance experience with a big audience.
“I enjoy listening to music. I like conveying a story in my dance.”
Olivia trains with Belvoir Dance Academy.
The pair will appear on stage with six international principal dancers including English Youth Ballet principal Olivia Richards, who will star as Giselle in the production, at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal on July 19 and 20.
Olivia Richards added: “I was lucky to be able to dance with English Youth Ballet in Cardiff when I was a young dancer. The dancers learn so much about performance skills and the artistry of ballet. I love now working as a principal dancer with English Youth Ballet because I get to dance challenging and iconic roles and I also teach the young dancers and see them 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.”
