North Norfolk dancers on pointe

Two schoolgirls from north Norfolk will star on stage in one of the world's favourite classical ballets when it arrives in Norwich.

Sian Whiting, from Banningham, and Eleanor Blackburn, from Hickling, will perform in English Youth Ballet's production of The Sleeping Beauty at the Theatre Royal from June 24 to 25.

The 12-year-olds are both members of Broadland School of Dance and were chosen following auditions held at Sprowston Community High School earlier this year.

Director and founder of EYB, Janet Lewis said: 'EYB is all about providing extra performance experience to young dancers. We saw a very pleasing standard at the audition and it was lovely to see lots of enthusiasm.'

EYB has helped many of the UK's top talent springboard their training progress and careers into some of the world's greatest ballet companies – including the Royal Ballet Company and English National Ballet.

All the soloist and corps de ballet roles in the Noriwch production of The Sleeping Beauty will be performed by 100 of the finest dancers, aged eight to 18, from Norfolk and Suffolk.

More than 200 young dancers auditioned for the opportunity to star alongside principal dancers Amy Drew, Adele Robbins, Monica Tapiador, Richard Read, Brenden Bratulic, Oliver Speers and Steven Wheeler. They will rehearse for just 10 days.

Tickets for the show can be purchased at the Box Office 01603 63 00 00 or online www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk