Jennifer's dreams come true in professional production of Swan Lake

She was chosen in January in a highly-competitive audition on stage at The Kings Theatre. She is currently experiencing the life of a professional dancer in rehearsals. Jennifer is super excited, as she will perform the role of a Swan alongside international professional dancers in English Youth Ballet’s Swan Lake.

Jennifer is in year nine at St Oscar Romero School in Goring and is training at Pointe Rocks. EYB principal Lyndsey Fraser will be starring as Odile, The Black Swan, in the production. Before joining EYB, she danced with the Vienna Festival Ballet.

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 fantastic roles and teach and watch the young dancers 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!”

There will be three performances of Swan Lake. The lavish production will star six international principal dancers and showcase the talents of 98 young dancers from the local area. More than 160 young dancers auditioned for the opportunity.

Janet Lewis, EYB director, said: "The cast have shown great enthusiasm and excitement in their rehearsals so far. The children are obviously so pleased to be back dancing again and taking part in a ballet that they love.

"Since the past year of lockdowns with the many restrictions, they are displaying a sense of freedom that is boosting their self-confidence and wellbeing. The cast are working hard not only on their ballet technique but on their performance quality that expresses the part they are dancing. The incentive is to be back performing again in the theatre.”