A YOUNG dancer from Chepstow has successfully secured a place in the prestigious English Youth Ballet production of Nutcracker.
Kara Lewis, 11, will be joining an elite cast of nearly 100 dancers after highly competitive auditions to earn a spot in the English Youth Ballet production of Nutcracker.
During the rehearsals she will experience the life of a professional dancer. The young cast are refining their skills and preparing for unforgettable performances. Excitement is building as they will take to the stage alongside internationally acclaimed professional dancers at the Lighthouse, Poole from November 13 to 14 2026.
Kara trains at Caroline Graham School of Dance and goes to Shirenewton Primary School.
“I started dancing eight years ago because my cousin danced too and she inspired me to follow in her footsteps. Since then, my dance teacher has supported me in auditioning for multiple associate programmes and encouraging me to apply for opportunities like performing with English Youth Ballet,” said Kara.
“The best feeling about being a dancer is the feeling of accomplishment, being proud of myself and enjoying what I do because every time I dance there is a new challenge to overcome.”
EYB Principal Olivia Richards will be starring as the Sugarplum Fairy in the production.
“I was lucky to be able to dance with EYB in Cardiff when I was a young dancer. The dancers learn so much about performance skills and the artistry of ballet,” said Olivia.
“I love now working as a principal dancer with EYB because I get to dance challenging and iconic roles and I also teach the young dancers and see them progress.”
The production features a cast of 98 talented young dancers from across Dorset and six international principal artists.
On Christmas Eve, Clara is given a nutcracker doll by Uncle Drosselmeyer. That night she dreams that the Nutcracker is transformed into a handsome prince and together they embark on an exciting adventure.
First, they defeat the seven-headed Rat King and his army before travelling through the Snow Forest. Finally, they reach the glittering Kingdom of the Sweets where the Prince introduces Clara to the Sugar Plum Fairy. Divertissements of spectacular dances, each representing a sweet is given in her honour. The sweeping Sugar Plum pas de deux with the Prince brings the dream to a glorious close; Clara and the audience will leave the Kingdom of the Sweets with Tchaikovsky’s famous score playing in their minds.
Over 150 young dancers auditioned in June, where parents looked on as the hopefuls took part in a full ballet class on stage. The successful dancers were informed on the day, adding to the excitement of the occasion.
The 98 selected dancers are now undergoing an intensive rehearsal period, training for 60 hours across 10 rehearsal days. Rehearsals are structured to mirror the professional dance environment.
Janet Lewis OBE, EYB Director, said: “English Youth Ballet’s aim is to provide performance experience to aspiring young dancers in beautiful venues close to where they live. The young dancers get to experience what life is like in a professional ballet company.”
Tickets can be purchased at the Box Office on 01202 280000 or online at lighthousepoole.co.uk
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