SIX talented young dancers from Dudley are a step closer to realising their dreams – having been chosen to perform with the English Youth Ballet.

The aspiring stage stars, who beat off tough competition from more than 200 hopeful dancers at auditions in May are set to dance in the EYB’s professional double bill production of Nutcracker Suite and Ballet Études at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre in September.

Dudley dancers Karys Clarke, aged 13; Robyn Harding, aged 11; Tiana Homer, aged 9; and Emily O’Connor, aged 18, as well as James Garrington, aged 14, of Netherton, and Amelia Morgan, aged 13, of Wall Heath, are currently in rehearsals for the show which will run from September 29 to 30.

The youngsters will dance alongside international principal dancers – Phillip Tunstall, Monica Tapiador, Samantha Camejo, Amy Drew and Oliver Speers.

Emily, who attends Dudley College and is training at the Livingston Academy of Dance, said: “I am really excited about the performance experience at EYB and learning a new ballet. I danced with EYB before in Swan Lake – where I was a lead Swan.”

James, who goes to Birmingham Ormiston Academy and is training at the Debonair Dance Academy, said: “I’ve danced with EYB before and I am looking forward to being with the professional dancers who are really experienced.

“Hopefully they will give me all their tips and tricks.”

The chance to perform with the EYB is a big boost to the dancers, as the company has proven a springboard for many top UK dancers to progress onto careers with some of the world’s greatest ballet companies – including the Royal Ballet Company and English National Ballet.

EYB director and founder Janet Lewis MBE said: “EYB is all about providing extra performance experience to young dancers.

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

Tickets for the show can be booked online www.grandtheatre.co.uk or by calling the box office on 01902 429212.