The youngsters performing in Northern Ballet Theatre's The Nutcracker are part of a 63-strong group of children from across the North who auditioned for roles as additional dancers.

Olivia Fraser, 13, from Guisley and Jenny Layton, 13, from Horsforth perform the roles of young party guests.

They are both students on NBT's Yorkshire Young Dancers programme which provides training for boys and girls between the ages of 10 and 16 who have exceptional potential in classical dance.

And younger dancers from the Deborah Coultish School of Dance in Leeds will perform the roles of mice in the wicked Mouse King's army.


They are Jourja Pattrik, Bria Westcarr, both seven, Richard Johnston, 11, Samantha Taylor and Freyja Childs, both seven. Also joining the mice is Bethan Radfore, seven,of Linda Cardwell Theatre School.

Choreographer David Nixon said: "At NBT here in Leeds, we are committed to nurturing talented young dancers, and the opportunity to perform with a professional company is an important and memorable experience for our future professional dancers. People like to return to The Nutcracker because it reminds them of childhood and that magical time when your dreams can become reality.

"Including children in the production is not only traditional, it is also important in helping to create the genuine sense of excitement and wonder that only children have."

He said that The Nutcracker had been entertaining audiences, young and old, for over 100 years.

The show opens at Leeds Grand Theatre on Tuesday and runs until December 8.

Leeds-based NBT has been voted the Britain's favourite ballet company for three consecutive years, winning the Audience Award in the 2004, 2005 and 2006 Critic's Circle National Dance Awards. Ring 0870 121 4901 for tickets.