Ipswich: Darcey’s dancing for joy after winning English Youth Ballet role

English Youth Ballet principal dancer Julianne Rice Oxley (Image: Archant)

More than 250 hopefuls auditioned for a part in the show at the New Wimbledon Theatre this weekend.

The Farlingaye High School student was picked to play a teenager in the party scene of act one and a Spanish dancer in act two.

“This is my third time (dancing with the EYB); the first time I was nine, the second I was 11,” says Darcey, From Martlesham Heath, who was part of the senior auditions for the first time.

“They do it line by line and at the very end they say if you’ve been selected; it’s like a real audition for a company. (It’s nervous) sitting on the floor, waiting for them to call your number.

“I’d love to be on the West End when I’m older. I started ballet when I was two-and-a-half and I’ve never stopped, I really enjoy it,” adds Darcey.

The Linda Shipton School of Dance and DanceEast Centre for Advance Training student and the rest of the young dancers will perform alongside EYB’s international principal artists.

They have spent 10 days in intense rehearsal for the production, the story of a young girl whose adventures begin when she gets a nutcracker doll for Christmas.

“The young dancers we’re working with have good technique and great energy. Working in a professional environment gives the students a unique insight into life in a ballet company,” says British principal ballerina Julianne Rice Oxley.

“Darcey is so lucky – I wish there had been something like EYB when I was training. I feel very privileged to be a principal with EYB as I get to work with some of the UK’s most talented young dancers. I find them incredibly inspiring.”