Delight as Willow is to dance with English Youth Ballet in Giselle

Sixteen-year-old Willow Perring from Portsmouth is preparing to take to the stage with the acclaimed English Youth Ballet (EYB) after successfully securing a place in its forthcoming production of Giselle.

Following highly competitive auditions in April, Willow earned a place in the elite cast of 100 young dancers. She will perform alongside internationally renowned professional ballet artists at the Churchill Theatre, Bromley, from Friday 28 to Saturday 29 August 2026.

Willow trains at the Timestep School of Dance and is currently experiencing life as a professional dancer through EYB's intensive rehearsal programme. Daily rehearsals combine rigorous ballet training with coaching from leading industry professionals, providing an invaluable insight into the demands and artistry of a professional ballet company.

Speaking about the opportunity, Willow said:

"I started dancing just before my second birthday because my older sister danced, and my parents thought I would enjoy it too. When I'm performing on stage, I feel a real sense of freedom and joy because I'm doing what I love. I'm looking forward to exploring the story of Giselle in more depth and working with EYB's principal dancers. I know I'll learn so much from them and take that experience into every aspect of my future dance training."

EYB Principal Olivia Richards, who performs the title role of Giselle, knows exactly how transformative the experience can be, having danced with the company herself as a young performer.

She said: "I was fortunate enough to dance with EYB when I was younger, and it played such an important part in my development. The dancers learn so much about performance, storytelling and the artistry of ballet. I love returning as a principal dancer because I can perform these wonderful roles while helping to inspire and teach the next generation. The beautiful sets, costumes and atmosphere make it an unforgettable experience for both the dancers and the audience."

EYB's haunting production of Giselle is set in the Edwardian era on an English country estate, evoking the elegance of Downton Abbey. It tells the moving story of Giselle, a young governess who falls in love with the aristocratic Albert. Betrayed and heartbroken, she dies, only to return as a spirit who chooses forgiveness over revenge. As Albert visits her grave beneath the moonlight, he encounters the Wilis—ghostly spirits of women betrayed in love who seek vengeance on the men who wronged them.

Founded in 1998, the English Youth Ballet is one of the UK's leading ballet companies for young dancers, providing aspiring performers with the unique opportunity to rehearse and perform alongside international professional artists. Many former EYB dancers have gone on to successful careers with world-renowned ballet companies, including The Royal Ballet.

Willow's achievement is a tremendous honour for both her and the Portsmouth dance community, recognising years of hard work, dedication and talent.

Tickets for Giselle at the Churchill Theatre, Bromley, on Friday 28 and Saturday 29 August 2026 are available from the theatre box office on 0343 310 0020 or online via the Churchill Theatre website - https://trafalgartickets.com/churchill-theatre-bromley/en-GB/event/dance/english-youth-ballet-giselle-tickets