Talented Beth, 17, joins ranks of National Youth Dance Company

The 17-year-old is one of 30 new recruits to the prestigious National Youth Dance Company - beating over 400 people who applied to be part of this year’s line up.

Her success means she will now work with big stars of the dance world on creating, performing and then touring the country with new work.

The company is currently working on a theatre piece called ‘Tarantiseismic’ which will have its world premiere in April at Sadler’s Wells in London before a UK national tour in June and July.

Beth, of Rothwell, said: “I’ve been dancing since I was 11. I started at a Saturday school then at Phoenix Dance Theatre’s youth academy. I found a real love for contemporary dance and I just wanted to get a bit further in it so thought I’d try for the National Youth Dance Company.

“It’s a big deal to be picked. It’s amazing to learn from these people and the artists. It’s a really good learning experience.”

Beth will work the NYDC during school holidays - while she studies at performing arts college CAPA in Wakefield - and this past half term was in Hull to coincide with their City of Culture 2017.

She hopes to become a professional dancer one day and make a living from her love of contemporary dance.

She explained: “I find it’s really free - you can’t really put it into a box. You can be so creative with it and it builds up your strength and stamina. It’s really beautiful to watch.”

For more information on the Company’s Tarantiseismic tour visit www.sadlerswells.com.