Two young dance students of the Northern Dance Centre have been successful in auditioning for the English Youth Ballet’s production of Coppelia, which will take place at the Grand Opera House, York, on June 7 and 8.

Hannah Eastham and Emily Paul, both aged 12, will now attend rehearsals with NYB ready for the professional production in June.

The girls were among 200 children auditioning and it was the first audition they had ever done.

Amy Addison, of the Northern Dance Centre, who hold classes in Skipton, Ilkley and Burley-in-Wharfedale, said: “We are delighted for both girls of course, as they both work so hard and have gained distinction for all their ballet exams to date.

“They are both working towards their RAD Intermediate exam this summer and both attend classes with us in Skipton and in Ilkley.

“Hannah has been dancing since the age of three, but amazingly Emily only started dancing two years ago!

“Both girls have expressed a desire to become professional dancers, and this is exactly the sort of experience that will stand them in good stead, working with a professional company and rehearsing in a large theatre.

“They will also learn a lot more about costumes and the detail and hard work that goes into a full length ballet production like Coppelia.”

Emily, of Bradley, and Hannah, of Carleton, attend lots of different classes, some in Skipton at the Skipton Girls High School and some at the Operatic House, Leeds Road, Ilkley.

Amy added: “They are both very keen students and come to as many classes as they can, usually dancing every evening after school and all day Saturdays.

“They are also great helpers and role models and have helped with the little ones' ballet classes, exams and summer schools for the past two years.”