Talented teens step into a production of Nutcracker with international cast
TWO talented Derby teenagers are to appear alongside international principal dancers in a production of one of the most popular shows in the ballet repertoire.
Jack Austin, 17, and Freya Charlton, 15, both from Littleover, are among 65 young Midlands dancers in the cast of English Youth Ballet’s Nutcracker at Wolverhampton’s Grand Theatre from September 3-4.
Jack, a student at Derby Grammar School, and Freya, who goes to Littleover Community School, both train at Littleover School of Dance.
Jack is dancing the roles of a Father, the Mouse King and an Arabian Dancer, while Freya is dancing the corps de ballet role of a Sugar Flower.
The show was meant to have been performed in 2020, but was postponed due to the pandemic.
Jack said: “I started ballet and tap at age five having watched my older sister in a show and I thought it would be fun. The two best feelings are being creative and expressive whilst learning a skill.
“I am excited and honoured to be
chosen to participate in the Nutcracker with EYB.”
Outside of school he also enjoys being a young leader at his local Beaver unit.
Freya said: “I started dancing when I turned three. My sister was already having classes and I was very keen to join in.
I love the enjoyment I get out of dancing. The feeling of movement and music together brings you to focus just on
dancing. I’m excited to get a chance to perform in a ballet like this because I’ve never done a production like this before.”
Director Janet Lewis MBE said: “The cast have shown great enthusiasm and excitement in their Nutcracker rehearsals.
“The children are obviously so pleased to be back dancing again and taking part in a ballet that they love.”