Young dancer handed dream place in ballet production (From Watford Observer)

Young dancer from Hartsbourne Primary School, in Bushey, handed dream place in English Youth Ballet production

6:08pm Wednesday 8th February 2012 in News By Chris Hewett

A ten-year-old dancer wowed judges at a national audition to gain a place in a professional English Youth Ballet production.

Lucy Gordon, a student at Hartsbourne Primary School in Bushey Heath, auditioned with 80 other girls in her age group for one of 40 places available in Swan Lake.

The Year 6 student from Stanmore, who has danced since the age of three, is now taking part in weekly rehearsals with some of the best young performers in the country.

She said: “When I found out I’d been chosen I was really happy. I’ve never been in anything as big as this before. I’ve always loved doing ballet lessons, it gives me a chance to do something different.”

The English Youth Ballet puts on full-length classical ballets in regional theatres in England, Scotland and Wales.

Principal dancers are joined by 100 young dancers aged between eight and 18 to give them the chance to experience a professional production.

At the nerve-wracking auditions in Dartford in December, Lucy lined up on stage with her competitors to go through a range of steps in front of a panel of judges.

Since gaining a place in the show, the talented youngster has taken part in first rehearsals with many older cast members.

She said: “It felt a bit strange because I usually just do normal lessons but it is really exciting. Some of the steps were quite hard but I’m enjoying it.”

Lucy’s mother Claire has the task of getting her daughter to and from rehearsals, which take place every weekend and every day during half term.

She said: “It is very exciting – she’s ballet mad. I was just so pleased for her when she got the part. When your child wants to do something like that and it makes them so happy, you want to support them.”

Lucy will play the role of a courtier during the three performances between March 23 and 24 at the Orchard Theatre in Dartford, Kent.

Speaking about her feelings leading up to the show, Lucy said: “I think I will be a little nervous but really happy and proud of myself. I’m hoping to be in more productions when I’m older as it is really good fun.”