Eight talented Oldham dancers gear up ahead of making a dream appearance in Swan Lake

A total of EIGHT talented dancers from Oldham are gearing up to make the performance of their young lives.

In March, the eight dancers were chosen to be part of the 80-strong cast of English Youth Ballet’s (EYB’s) production of Swan Lake that will take place at the Victoria Theatre in Halifax from Friday 7 to Saturday, June 8, 2024. 

All the dancers train at Kirsten's Dance Academy. 

They are:

Amber Annersley, aged 14 from Greenfield.

Madeline Bottom, aged 12 from Greenfield.

Millie Carter, aged 14 from Uppermill.

Evie Fielding, aged 9 from Springhead.

Florence Penney, aged 10 from Diggle.

Isla Potts, aged 10 from Lydgate.

Pixie Swift, aged 9 from Greenfield.

Beatrice Wood, aged 12 from Saddleworth.

The young cast were selected in hugely competitive auditions. 

They are currently experiencing the life of a professional dancer in rehearsals and are all super excited, as they will perform alongside international professional dancers in Halifax in June.

Millie (pictured below) said: “My Mum took me to my first ballet class when I was two years old and I've never stopped dancing since.

"I joined Kirsten's Dance Academy when I was six and began competing on their competition team in Year 4 which I've loved every minute of.

"I have lessons in all styles of dance but my favourites are definitely ballet and lyrical.

"I enjoy dancing as a team with all of my friends and can't imagine life without dance. 

"I love being part of team and feeling like you're never alone. 

"The feeling of being free when I'm dancing and not thinking of anything else going on around me is the best. 

"I feel so lucky to have been given this opportunity to dance with the EYB.

"I'm hoping to improve my ballet skills further and learn from professionals who have lots of experience in dance and performance.

"I'm really excited for the process to begin and to perform in front of an audience in such an amazing theatre.

"Other than dancing, I also love singing and acting.

"I played the role of Matilda in the Junior version of Matilda the Musical with the Congress Players in 2022.

"I am currently practising for my LAMDA acting exam in July. 

"Last December, I was lucky enough to go to Miami with Kirsten's dance academy to dance alongside the Miami Dolphin cheerleaders at an NFL game.

"I will always remember this special trip with amazing memories for life.” 

EYB Principal Ann Wall will be starring as Odette (the White Swan) in the production.    

She said: “I wish I had danced with EYB when I was young. 

"The dancers learn so much about performance skills and the artistry of ballet. 

"I love working as a principal dancer with EYB 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!”

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