TWO BALLERINAS performed in a professional production of Swan Lake after being specially selected by the English Youth Ballet.
Libby Merchant, ten, from Rednal and Josie Wiklund, 15, from Alvechurch were among 200 young hopeful dancers who auditioned for parts in the play which was shown at the Theatre Severn in Shrewsbury.
Libby played a Mariinsky dancer while Josie was a Mariinsky soloist dancer.
The pair appeared alongside star international principal dancers such as Amy Drew, Adele Robbins, Monica Tapiador, Richard Read, Brenden Bratulic, Trevor Wood and Steven Wheeler.
Principal dancer Amy Drew, who played the leading role of Odette and Odile – the white and black swans, said: “It was wonderful having such keen young dancers all in the same place and working together.
“I think there is a unique and wonderful synergy that takes place because all the dancers learn so much from watching each other and from watching the professionals too.”
