A 10-year-old girl from South Oxfordshire is one of 90 young dancers set to perform in an English Youth Ballet production of Sleeping Beauty.
There will be three performances, each of which will star six international principal dancers alongside the youngsters.
Among them will be Emelia Wilson, from Benson, who attends Kinecroft Academy of Dance in Wallingford and Ewelme C of E School.
She was chosen from 150 hopefuls following an audition held in March at The Wycombe Swan Theatre. The performance will take place at the theatre on August 9 and 10.
The dancers attended a full ballet class on stage and the successful auditionees found out they were selected on the day of the audition.
They will rehearse for 60 hours over 10 days at a secondary school, providing them with a glimpse of the working life of a professional dancer.
Janet Lewis, English Youth Ballet director, said: "English Youth Ballet’s aim is to provide performance experience to aspiring young dancers in beautiful venues close to where they live.
"The young dancers get to experience what life is like in a professional ballet company.
"They learn about developing their artistic and performance skills as well as improving their technique.
"I am always amazed at how quickly the young dancers progress and how positive they are when presented with new challenges.”
The tale begins at Aurora’s christening where relatives give gifts to the baby.
However, the occasion is interrupted by the wicked Aunt Carabosse who places a curse on Aurora.
The good Aunt Lilac reverses the curse by putting Aurora, her family, and guests to sleep for 100 years.
Aurora wakes up when her prince kisses her, defeating Aunt Carabosse.
English Youth Ballet principal, Ann Wall, will be starring as Aurora in the production.
She said: "Being part of English Youth Ballet is an amazing experience for any young dancer.
"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.
"I feel privileged to be a principal dancer with the company. Dancing with English Youth Ballet is an experience that will stay with the young dancers forever.”
The company previously won The Stage Award for special achievement in regional theatre, and its principal dancers have joined from companies such as English National Ballet, Northern Ballet and KBallet.
There are now former English Youth Ballet young performers in some of the world’s best companies - including the Royal Ballet.
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