A young girl who has "always been dancing" is set to fulfill her dream role after she won a place to appear in a major production of Swan Lake.

Elle-Louise Riches, nine and of Worlingham CEVC Primary School, has been selected to be part of a 92-strong cast of English Youth Ballet’s production of Swan Lake at Norwich Theatre Royal next month after impressing in competition.

The young dancer said: "I have been dancing at June Glennie School of Dance since I was two, I absolutely love it.

"Apparently I was always dancing and performing at home so my mum and dad decided to take me to lessons and I haven’t stopped. 

"The best feeling about being a dancer is that I feel free and it makes me very happy."

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Elle-Louise is excited to fulfil dream of performing in Swan lake ballet performanceElle-Louise is excited to fulfil dream of performing in Swan lake ballet performance (Image: Ben Garner)

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The emotionally charged production of Swan Lake, set in 1895 Imperial Russia, tells of love, rivalry, greed and murder and will take place at Norwich Theatre Royal from Friday, July 21 to Saturday, July 22.

There are 92 young dancers from across Norfolk and Suffolk in the production.

The cast will have rehearsed for 60 hours over 10 days of rehearsals at weekends

Elle-Louise says the opportunity to learn alongside "great dancers" with EYB's assistance is helping her progress as she is learning other skills along the way.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Oli and Adele with corps de ballet Act 2Oli and Adele with corps de ballet Act 2 (Image: Submitted)

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She said: "At EYB, I am hoping to gain more experience in performing on stage. I am also hoping to further learn and develop by dancing and practising alongside great dancers.

"Dancing has really helped me in my other interests. I am learning to play the piano and understanding rhythm has really helped me progress.  

"I also enjoy helping my dance teacher Sue with the younger children’s classes at June Glennie, which I do on a Saturday."

Tickets can be bought at the Box Office on 01603 630 000 or at www.norwichtheatre.org

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Lindsey and Josh 5th in front of auditoriumLindsey and Josh 5th in front of auditorium (Image: Submitted)