Youth ballet spot for Clarissa

Clarissa at the barre

A YOUNG dancer from Hollinwood has leapt into a special English Youth Ballet production.

Clarissa Salt said she was delighted to have made it through auditions to appear in the full-length production of Giselle – a tale of innocence, betrayal and the redemptive power of true love.

She will appear at the Opera Theatre of Manchester’s Royal Northern College of Music.

But she’s no stranger to the stage as she has previously appeared in Christmas pantomimes at Oldham Coliseum.

The 15-year-old who attends Oasis Academy, has attended the Samantha Jane School of Dance since she was three years old and would love to become a dance teacher.

She said: “My dance teacher told me there was an audition and that I should go for it.

“It was a long audition and Janet Lewis, who owns the ballet company, was one of the judges so I was a bit nervous.

“But I’m really excited as I’m the only girl from my dance school who went.”

And she has lots of rehearsals ahead at the RNCM with 11 weekend days in October and over half term, which she has to fit in with exams and dance competitions.

Samantha Greenwood, one of Clarissa’s dance teachers said: “She’s done really well to get into the production – it’s a great company and it will give her a great experience to see if she does want to dance professionally.

“She’s actually on the vocational grades now which you would normally take at college, so she is far ahead for her age.”

Clarissa will perform in the ballet on November 9 and 10.




Young dancers on show



A CELEBRATION of dance will be showcased by 28 schools and community groups from across Oldham.



Oldham Council’s Integrated Youth Service has organised the event, which takes place at Oldham Coliseum on Monday, July 18.

The groups, aged between 7 -16 years old represent three areas in Oldham, Fearless from Royton and Crompton, E4 Rockers from Greenacres and FW Crew Failsworth.

Performances will include a diverse range of dance styles.

A gifted and talented dance group called G and T will make their debut at the show.

The group represent four secondary schools, identified through The Oldham Steps Out Dance Platform and Totally Over you at the Oldham Coliseum earlier this year.

Some of the children have never performed on stage before so this event provides them with a unique opportunity to unveil their talents.