Talented Holt pupil takes to the stage in the English Youth Ballet’s Nutcracker
A HOLT School pupil will fulfil her ambitions to take to the stage, in the classic festive ballet The Nutcracker this weekend.
Amy Williams, 11, was chosen from more than 170 hopefuls to join the English Youth Ballet. She is one of 88 dancers from across the south east who will be performing.
Amy will perform one of the most recognisable parts of the story, the Waltz of the Snowflakes, alongside international professional dancers. The dance reflects the wonders of a white Christmas in an enchanted forest. Dancers’ costumes are designed to represent a snow storm.
“I cannot wait to see my costume,” Amy said. “I am really enjoying the whole experience.”
Esther, Amy’s mum, said that she is proud of her daughter. Amy transferred from primary school to The Holt in September and rehearsals have been over several weekends at a school in Crawley, West Sussex.
Esther said that this has brought additional challenges: “She had to be extremely organised and efficient starting secondary school and attending rehearsals, so she has been doing homework during the week as soon as it is set.”
Amy has enjoyed dancing since she was two. She studies at The Lewis Academy of Dancing in Wokingham and Bronia Pearce Dance Company in Woodley.
And her hard work has paid off. Previous EYB members have gone on to perform in some of the world’s best ballet companies, including the Royal Ballet.
“This experience has really ignited a passion for ballet, and she would love to become a professional ballerina,” Esther explained. “She is at her happiest when dancing.”
Janet Lewis, EYB director, echoed this. Lockdown restrictions led to the original performance schedule being postponed, and she has sensed that the cast members are pleased to be back dancing.
“They are displaying a sense of freedom that is boosting their selfconfidence and wellbeing,” she said.
The event takes place at the Hawth Theatre, Crawley, on November, Friday 19, and Saturday, 20.
For more information, visit: parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/The-Hawth