Stage set for Valley pair’s big breaks

JASON NAYLOR

TWO talented Valley teenagers are looking ahead to bright futures in dancing after breakthrough years.

Brandon Hunter, of the McLaren Dance Company in Rawtenstall, has been cast in Matthew Bourne’s new production of Romeo and Juliet – set to take place later this year at Salford’s Lowry Theatre.

And up and coming young dance star Jessica Butterworth, of Bacup, is already helping the next generation after enjoying stellar success in 2018.

Year 13 ballet dancer Brandon has been chosen as one of six young cast members to star in a contemporary re-imagin- ing of William Shakespeare’s classic love story, produced by Bourne’s New Adventures dance company.

The young dancer beat more than a thousand young hopefuls to get a part in the show and hopefully move one step closer to his dream career as a contemporary dancer and West End performer.

Brandon, who is studying A-Levels in Geography, History and Sport has been described as “one of the finest male dancers in the country”.

The 17-year-old said: “This is an opportunity of a lifetime to dance with a prestigious dance company at the top of its game”.

Romeo and Juliet will go on tour early next year and Brandon will be in the show for five nights at the Lowry Theatre in Salford from June 11-15, 2019.

Jessica Butterworth has been chosen by her teacher, renowned performer Paul Michael Jones, to assist with classes.

Jess, 15, has been selected to help with a brand new contemporary/lyrical class at Turner’s Dance Studio in Rochdale, a paid role which will involve her demonstrating different moves and techniques to help, encourage and ●● Brandon Hunter and d (inset) (i )J Jessica i Butterworth inspire other dancers. As well as being hugely talented in contemporary and freestyle dancing, Jess also trains in Latin American, Ballroom and Hiphop, as well as dabbling in theatre too.

Last year she won the under-16 Championship class contemporary, solo and slow dance competitions as well as contemporary dancer of the year - which earned her a trophy almost as big as her!

The competition was held in Hindley, Wigan and involved dance schools and young dancers from all over the country.