Four young dancers from Hillingdon have been chosen to be a part of the English Youth Ballet’s upcoming production of Sleeping Beauty. The talented dancers, George Foster-Aiton, Roseanna O’Neill, Florence Bardwell, and Emma Tim, went through tough auditions to earn their spots in the 90-strong cast.
Currently, these young dancers are putting in the hard work and dedication required to prepare for their performances at the Wycombe Swan Theatre on August 9th and 10th. George, aged 10, hails from Cowley and attends Colham Manor Primary School. Roseanna, 11, is from Ruislip and goes to St Catherine’s Primary School. Florence, 14, attends Bishop Ramsey School and comes from West Drayton, while Emma, also 14, is homeschooled and resides in Harmondsworth.
Florence shared her excitement about being a part of EYB, mentioning how she enjoys the freedom of expression that comes with dancing. She is looking forward to learning from and performing alongside professional dancers. George, who has overcome physical challenges like osteogenesis imperfecta type 1 brittle bones and autism, emphasized that anyone can dance, regardless of their abilities.
Ann Wall, the principal of EYB, highlighted the valuable experience that these young dancers will gain from working with the company. She mentioned that dancing with EYB will leave a lasting impact on the performers, shaping their understanding of professional dance and performance.
Being a part of a production like Sleeping Beauty is a significant achievement for these young dancers from Hillingdon. It provides them with a unique opportunity to showcase their talent, learn from seasoned professionals, and build unforgettable memories. The dedication and passion they bring to their craft are evident in their commitment to rehearsals and performances. As they continue to hone their skills and immerse themselves in the world of ballet, their journey with the English Youth Ballet promises to be a rewarding and transformative experience.