ENGLISH Youth Ballet will hold auditions next month for roles in a production of Coppelia at Darlington Hippodrome.

At the audition, 100 young male and female dancers aged eight to 18 will be offered the chance to rehearse with and then dance alongside international professional principal dancers in three performances at Darlington Hippodrome next April.

Director Janet Lewis said: “Parents and family are encouraged to watch from the auditorium. We are looking for young dancers of all abilities who can show the audience how much they enjoy their dancing."

Miss Lewis had an illustrious career with the Royal Ballet Company and London Festival Ballet dancing alongside such greats as Margot Fonteyn and Rudolf Nureyev.

Principal dancers in EYB have danced in some of the world’s greatest companies including English National Ballet, La Scala and the Royal Ballet.

Auditions will take the form of a regular ballet class. Dancers will find out on the day if they are successful.

It is advisable to register in advance but this can be done on the day (arrive 30 minutes early to register).

The audition fee is £15. All dancers participate in a full ballet class. Parents are invited to watch.

Auditions will take place on Sunday, November 26, at Darlington Hippodrome, Parkgate, at 3-4.45pm for dancers aged eight to 11 and 5.15-7pm for dancers aged 12 to 18.

For information and to register, contact EYB on 01689 856747 or email info@englishyouthballet.co.uk.