A 17-YEAR-OLD ballerina from Alveston is set to take to the stage next month in the latest production from the English Youth Ballet.

Marlwood student Abigail Crew, who has trained at the Sharon Phillips School of Dancing since she was two-and-a-half-years-old, was casted for the double bill of Nutcracker Suite and Ballet Études, having proven herself over more than 150 other hopefuls in a series of auditions.

Abigail told the Gazette she was “both nervous and excited” to get to the rehearsal, having previously auditioned for the English Youth Ballet (EYB) when she was 13, but was unsuccessful.

“There were a lot of people there so I had to be at my very best to stand out in front of the crowd, especially as everyone else there was so talented.

“I was so delighted when I found out I had been selected. I felt I had performed well but it was still a shock!”

Having shown herself in what the company directors have said was an “electric” series of auditions, Abigail, has joined the rest of the company at Bishop Wordsworth School for the first weekend of 10 days of intensive rehearsals to make sure the performance is perfect.

The shows themselves, a matinee and two evening shows, will take place at Salisbury City Hall on April 21-22.

“The best thing about this whole process is to dance with the professionals,” said Abigail. “It is what I aspire to be, so to have the chance to train and perform alongside them will be a great experience!”

Her mother Tracey said: “When I see Abigail perform, I get very emotional, seeing how far she has gone is truly amazing.

“We really want to thank Sharon and Nina at the dance school for their huge support over the years. They have been truly fantastic and hopefully this performance will be a big thank you for all their hard work.”

Oliver Speers, who is one of EYB’s principal dancers and one of the coaches for Abigail and the other young dancers, said that everyone would be worked hard during the rehearsals, but that “the results are fantastic.”

He said: “The young dancers are treated like professional dancers during rehearsals.

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

The EYB double bill performances of Nutcracker Suite and Ballet Études will be taking place in Salisbury City Hall on April 21-22.

Tickets can be purchased at the Box Office 01722 434434 or online www.cityhallsalisbury.co.uk