TWO young dancers from Ivybridge Community College will soon be appearing on stage alongside top international ballet dancers.

Alice Mercer, 18, from Ivybridge and Chantelle Michelin, 11, from Bittaford, have been selected to appear in a professional production of Giselle at the Princess Theatre later this month.

English Youth Ballet held a highly competitive audition at the Torquay theatre in February and selected the talented youngsters for three performances from May 25 to 26.

They are currently experiencing the life of a professional ballet dancer – working at Westlands School in a 10-day intensive rehearsal process.

The young performers will dance alongside EYB's stunning international principal artists Emma Lister and Oli Speers, who will be flying in from Toulouse to play the role of Albert.

Company manager, Ben Garner, said: 'Working with English Youth Ballet will most probably be the highlight of these talented young dancers' careers, to date.

'The audiences watching EYB are in for a unique and exciting experience too. They will be seeing both top international principal artists and the best up-and-coming young talent from their region – sharing the stage.'

Alice, who will play lady of the hunt, trains at the Margaret Bald-win Theatre Academy and Chantelle, who trains at the Lucy Abbot Dance Academy, will play the role of villager.

Chantelle has been dancing for more than six years and as well as ballet she enjoys tap, modern and jazz.

She would like a career in dance and was over the moon when she found out she had got the part, as were her parents, Dawn and Ollivier.

Chantelle's grandmother, Rose Kelly, said: 'I think it's a great experience for her to be doing this. She has been very privileged to get the part.'

The story of Giselle follows the young army officer – Albert – as he woos the weak-hearted Giselle and deceives her into believing he is a common footman.

When she discovers the truth and that he is engaged to be married she tragically dies. In death, Giselle is transformed into a Wili spirit, in the forest.

The Wili spirits are dance-loving brides who have died tragically before their wedding day. The Wilis seek revenge on any man who crosses their path.

What will become of Albert when he enters the forest?

English Youth Ballet is made up of seven professional principals and 100 local dancers (aged eight to 18) from the South West of England. EYB principal dancers are of the highest calibre and have joined EYB from companies such as English National Ballet and Royal Winnipeg Ballet.

The young dancers are some of the top talents from the local area. There are now ex-EYB young performers in some of the world's best companies, including the Royal Ballet.

The inventive choreography is faithful to the well-loved original version and was created by Janet Lewis MBE, EYB's artistic director, and her team.

The classic stage designs were created by Keith Bish. The evocative musical score was composed especially for the ballet, in 1841, by the great master Adolphe Adam.

Performances will take place on Friday, May 25 at 7.30pm and Saturday, May 26 at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

For tickets call 0844 871 3023 or visit http://www.atgtickets.com/torquay">www.atgtickets.com/torquay.