Thirteen West Bridgford dancers successfully earned a place in the prestigious English Youth Ballet (EYB) production of Swan Lake.
They’ll be joining an elite cast of 98 dancers after highly competitive auditions.
They are currently immersed in rehearsals and experiencing the life of a professional dancer. The young cast is refining her skills and preparing for unforgettable performances.
Excitement is building as the will take the stage alongside internationally acclaimed professional dancers at the Nottingham Theatre Royal from Fri 17 – Sat 18 July 2026.
Lucy Haworth, 15, trains at Sandra Taylor School of Dance and lives in West Bridgford.
She said “I’ve been dancing as long as I can remember as I loved learning from my older sister. I started taking up classes, and initially going to dance was just really fun and allowed me to feel the joys of getting better at something and dancing on stage.
“As I’ve got older, dance has helped me feel not just that joyous feeling, but also has been a way for me to process all the other emotions that come with growing up – when I am dancing to music, I can feel so much peace in the freedom to express and release whatever I’m feeling through these rhythms and movements. I find ballet particularly beautiful – I love how intricate and elegant it is.
“I am very excited to start English Youth Ballet as it is something I’ve always wanted to do. Learning a full scale ballet and dancing on a big stage in a large company of dancers sounds amazing. I hope I can become a more confident performer, improve my pointe-work and of course learn from the professional dancers.”
EYB Principal – Ann Wall will be starring as Odette (The White Swan) in the production.
She 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 country.
“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.”
Dancers in main photo (from left to right):
Back line – Isla Graham, Chloe Liversidge, Lucy Haworth, Gabriella Houghton, Olivia Bufton, Hollie Alabraba, Evie Cookson-Hoare
Front line – Savannah Robinson, Sophie Norton, Madeline Bisby, Phoebe Horner, Freya Quinn, Ella Quinn
