Talented young dancers to star in prestigious professional ballet

From left, Alexandra Dosh, Logan Kennedy, Holly Skiggs, Jessica Guy, Eleni Maxwell.

The five youngsters from South Tyneside will appear in English Youth Ballet’s (EYB) production of Giselle.

They’ll be on stage at the Tyne Theatre & Opera House, in Newcastle, on September 9 and 10.

The borough youngsters will star alongside a host of international principal dancers.

Alexandra Dosh, 11, a St Joseph’s Catholic Academy pupil, from West Boldon, will play a Lady in Waiting, while eight-year-old Jessica Guy, a St Matthew’s RC Primary School pupil, from Boldon, will play an aristocratic girl.

Logan Kennedy, 15, a St Wilfrid’s RC College pupil, from South Shields, will portray a wili spirit, and nine-year-old Eleni Maxwell, a Bede Burn Primary School pupil, from Jarrow, and 12-year-old Holly Skiggs, a Harton Technology College pupil, from South Shields, will both play villagers.

Alexandra said: “I started dancing when I was five-years-old. I just took a liking to dancing and my mum let me go on. My favourite thing about dancing is being able to perform. I am looking forward to the experience of dancing with English Youth Ballet.

Amy Drew and Oli Speers in EYB's Giselle.

“I think that learning the dancing is going to be hard. I think the best thing about eventually getting to the theatre will be the atmosphere. When I am older I would like to be a pilot. I’d also like to dance as well.”

The girls were chosen out of nearly 250 hopefuls, who turned up to audition for the show.

It tells the story of peasant girl Giselle, who falls in love with the aristocratic Albert, but he betrays her and she dies of a broken heart.

Giselle’s ghost chooses to protect Albert as he visits her leafy graveside. In the forest live the macabre Wili Spirits, the ghosts of other young women, who rise from the grave each night.

“They will stop at nothing to take their revenge on the menfolk of the town who cross their paths.

Director Janet Lewis said: “EYB is all about providing extra performance experience to young dancers.

“We saw a very pleasing standard at the audition and it was lovely to see lots of enthusiasm.”

The young cast will have just 10 days of rehearsals for the production.

Tickets to see the show cost from £15.

To book, go to www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk or call the box office on 0844 2491000.