Ivybridge Community College Year 9 student, Harriet Meadows, has successfully auditioned with the English Youth Ballet to perform in Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker at The Princess Theatre, Torquay, in October.

The ballet, which brings to life the magical Christmas story of a girl who befriends a nutcracker on Christmas Eve, includes a cast of international principal dancers alongside the top up-and-coming talent from the south west. Harriet will be dancing ’on pointe’ to the Waltz of the Flowers in the ballet.

"I’ve always loved dancing," said Harriet. "It has been a big part of my life for as long as I’ve known, so I’m very pleased to have successfully auditioned for a part in the Nutcracker with The English Youth Ballet. I can’t wait to perform in the show, wear the amazing costume on stage, and perform with my new dance friends."

Now in its 22nd year, the English Youth Ballet provides professional performance experience for talented young dancers, producing both high-quality classical ballets and mixed-bill programmes.

Harriet has been dancing since she was three years old, starting with ballet only, before recently undertaking lessons in tap, modern, contemporary, jazz and pointe work.â?¯ She has enjoyed two years with the Royal Ballet on their Junior Associate Programme in Totnes, and she has undertaken workshops at The Royal Ballet School in Covent Garden.â?¯ When she was in Covent Garden, a highlight for Harriet was ’walking the Bridge of Aspiration’ - the physical bridge that links the Royal Ballet School to the Royal Opera House, representing the dancers’ dream that they will one day return to the Opera House as professional dancers. Harriet has also experienced standing on the stage at the Royal Opera House and has met with former Principal of The Royal Ballet (and Strictly Come Dancing judge) Darcey Bussell.â?¯

Once the Royal Ballet Programme ended, Harriet auditioned for Ballet Boost in Exeter and she is currently in the Upper Senior Class alongside 15 and 16-year-old dancers. Harriet currently dances five or six nights every week, and her mum says that she "even dances when she’s cleaning her teeth."

Helen Reddy, Head of Performing Arts at Ivybridge Community College, said, "Performing with the English Youth Ballet is a marvellous opportunity for Harriet, who is on our Elite Talent programme. This means she will receive extra support from the College, help with her strength and conditioning and the best possible chance to succeed. We wish her the very best of luck with her performance in the Nutcracker."