Young dance talent lands coveted role

DANCE talent . . . Beth Smith has been selected to play the role of an Arabian dancer in English Youth Ballet’s “Nutcracker” at Buxton Opera House

A RISING Oldham dance star has pirouetted her way to a part in English Youth Ballet’s “Nutcracker” at Buxton Opera House.

Beth Smith (15) has a prominent role as an Arabian dancer in the ballet, which will be performed by the award-winning company on November 13 and 14.

Over 200 young dancers auditioned for parts in the production, which features 91 dancers aged 8-18.

Beth, from Water’s Edge Fold and a student at Crompton House School, has danced with the Bernadette Heys School of Dance in Marsden since she was four.

Mum Fiona said: “Beth has a passion for dancing. She has performed with the English Youth Ballet before, in ‘Coppelia’, so was desperate to apply for this one. She has a bigger role this time so she’s really pleased. The whole family is going along to watch her.”

Company manager Ben Garner said director and founder of EYB, Janet Lewis, was on the lookout for the hottest young dance talent to join her award-winning company for the production in Buxton.

“The young dancers are treated like professional dancers during rehearsals. We work them hard but the results are fantastic. They are living their dream and they just love it!”

Tickets: www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk.