(Image: Supplied)
Young dancers from the North East are preparing for the performance of a lifetime after being selected to appear in a professional ballet at the region's premier theatre.
Students from Youth Ballet North’s Advanced Training Programme will join Northern Ballet’s Cinderella at Newcastle Theatre Royal from October 28 to 31.
The collaboration between Youth Ballet North, Northern Ballet and Newcastle Theatre Royal gives the dancers a rare chance to perform in a major professional production.
Saeka Shirai and Jonathan Hanks in rehearsal for Cinderella (Image: Emily Spencer)
Amy Turner-Daly, director of Youth Ballet North and a former Northern Ballet dancer, said: "Opportunities like this are incredibly valuable for young dancers.
"Performing alongside a company as respected as Northern Ballet gives our students the chance to learn from a world-class dance company, experience performing on a large-scale stage, and see where their dedication and passion could lead.
"As a former dancer with Northern Ballet, this collaboration is particularly special to me.
Dancers Jonathan Hanks and Saeka Shirai in Cinderella (Image: George Liang)
"Having experienced first-hand the exceptional standards, creativity and opportunities the company offers, it is incredibly rewarding to see our students following in those footsteps and sharing the stage with such an inspiring organisation.
"This is a hugely exciting opportunity for our students.
"Not only will it create unforgettable memories for them, but it also highlights the strength of young talent in the North East and the importance of partnerships between training organisations, theatres and professional companies."
Michael Pink in rehearsal for Cinderella. Photo Emily Spencer (Image: Supplied)
The young dancers will play a dressmaker, cobbler and gardener in the ballet’s transformation scene.
It will be their first performance at the Theatre Royal.
Youth Ballet North is the North East’s only pre-vocational ballet organisation, offering young dancers professional training and performance opportunities.
Kim Hoffman, director of creative development at Newcastle Theatre Royal, said: "At Newcastle Theatre Royal, we're passionate about creating opportunities that inspire young people and nurture future talent.
"Giving Youth Ballet North students the chance to perform alongside Northern Ballet in Cinderella is a wonderful example of how world-class productions can create meaningful opportunities for local young people.
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"We're proud to play a role in supporting the development of emerging talent and helping young dancers experience the thrill of performing on our stage alongside professional artists.
"We hope this collaboration inspires the next generation and demonstrates the power of the arts to transform lives."
Tickets are available from the Theatre Royal box office and website.