A TALENTED young dancer from Pontypool is currently in rehearsals for a professional production of the ballet Swan Lake.

Niamh Jones, age 10, is a member of Pontypool’s Charlotte May Academy and has been chosen for the role of a Mariinsky Dancer in the production.

English Youth Ballet (EYB) held a huge audition for the ballet at the Theatre Severn in March.

Nearly 200 young hopeful dancers turned up to the two auditions which were held on the stage.

Director and founder of EYB, Janet Lewis MBE, was on the lookout for the hottest young dance talent to join her award-winning company for the production.

A total of 98 young dancers make up this production for Swan Lake, which will be presented by English Youth Ballet at the Theatre Severn in Shrewsbury from July 10 to 11.

Niamh is currently in rehearsals for the ballet, which are taking place at the Shrewsbury College.

Oliver Speers, one of EYB’s principal dancers, said: “The young dancers are treated like professional dancers during rehearsals. We work them hard but the results are fantastic.

“They learn what the life of a professional dancer is like. They are living their dream and they just love it.”

The young cast will rehearse for just 10 days for the production.

Tickets can be purchased at the Box Office 01743 281281 or online www.theatresevern.co.uk