GIFTED ballerinas form Northwich and Middlewich have pirouetted their way on to the national stage.

Northwich’s Olivia Armstrong, Tilly Baker, Alice Clark, and Keira Jones, along with Middlewich’s Sophia Mottershaw, saw off stiff competition for a place in the cast of English Youth Ballet’s (EYB) current production, Cinderella in Hollywood.  

Set in the glamorous era of 1950s Hollywood movieland, this lavish production with a 100-strong cast draws its inspiration from the film star, Grace Kelly, who met Prince Rainier of Monaco at a press party and later married him.

The talented youngsters are currently experiencing the life of a professional dancer in rehearsals at Sale Grammar School, before taking to the stage at Manchester Opera House alongside international professionals on Friday, March 8, and Saturday, March 9.

Northwich Guardian: EYB principle dancer, Lindsay FraserEYB principle dancer, Lindsay Fraser (Image: Peter Mares)

County High School Leftwich and KS Dance pupil, Tilly Baker, 12, has only just finished performing in a run of Sleeping Beauty at The Brindley, Runcorn.

Tilly’s mum, Sharon Baker, who’s never watched a ballet before, says she can’t wait for the performance, adding: “It’s such a prestigious stage to perform on. I couldn’t be more proud.

“It’s a tough regime for her. It’s 16 hours a week for five weeks, on top of her usual school week.

“She’s absolutely loving it though. She’s so excited."

EYB has built a national reputation for the quality of its full-length classical ballets, performed with the scale and grandeur originally intended.

Sell-out audiences are treated to beautiful international principal artists sharing the stage with the top up-and-coming young talent from the local area.

EYB principal dancer, Lindsey Fraser, who joined the company from the Vienna Festival Ballet, said: “I wish I’d 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 make 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.”