A YOUNG dancer from Catcott has been selected to perform with a professional ballet company.

Emily Howe, 12, auditioned for the English Youth Ballet (EYB) and has been offered the roles of Carabosse’s Monster and a Cryonite (ice fairy) in The Sleeping Beauty.

She will be taking to the stage at Weston’s Playhouse Theatre in March alongside principal dancer Amy Drew and six other international principal dancers. Emily, who attends Crispin School and is training at Anne Milton School of Dance, told the Mercury: “I’m really excited and can’t wait to see my costume and learn the new dances.

“Everyone’s been congratulating me. I love the story of The Sleeping Beauty and it will be a fantastic experience. I’ve performed in festivals before but nothing like this.”

Emily wants to be a professional dancer or follow a career in the performing arts.

She gained the place at an audition in November attended by over 150 of the region’s most talented young dancers. The cast are currently working with professionals in a ten-day intensive rehearsal process at Clevedon School.

Amy Drew, principal dancer, said: “Emily is so lucky. I wish there had been something like EYB in Australia when I was training. I feel very privileged to be a principal with the EYB as I get to work with some of the UK’s most talented young dancers. I find them incredibly inspiring.”

The Sleeping Beauty will be at the Playhouse Theatre from March 8 to 9. Call 01934-645544 or visit www.theplayhouse.co.uk.