Portsmouth dancers to shine in prestigious ballet production

ExCo

This is an extraordinary opportunity for the lucky dancers. They are currently experiencing firsthand what it means to be a professional dancer, taking part in rigorous daily rehearsals that include intensive ballet training and coaching from industry professionals. Their journey is a testament to their dedication, discipline, and passion for dance, and they are making the entire community proud.

I had the pleasure of speaking to both Megan and Emily about their dancing and their thoughts about EYB and Giselle.

Megan Beynon (18) lives in Gosport and trains at Dream Dance Collective. She said “I started dance at 2 years old because I wouldn’t ever sit still if a song came on the TV or the radio, and that’s how my journey started. The best feeling about being a dancer is the way I can shut everything else out from the world and only focus on one thing; it makes my brain go quiet from all the noise. What I am hoping to get out of EYB is just a fraction of their knowledge about certain steps, how we can achieve things, and the ballet we are performing.”

Emily Perkiss (8) lives in Bedhampton and trains at Kinetic Academy. She said “My mum took me to dance classes because even when I was a baby I was always dancing in the kitchen. Dancing makes me feel like I fit in and when I am doing a show I feel a bit nervous and excited, especially when I’m on the stage. While I’m with EYB I’d like to try and learn a triple pirouette and learn from professional dancers who teach us. I also like making lots of new friends.”

EYB Principal Olivia Richards (pictured with partner Joshua Webb) will play the role of Giselle. She spoke about the joy of working with such talented young dancers. She said “I was lucky to be able to dance with EYB in Cardiff when I was a young dancer. The dancers learn so much about performance skills and the artistry of ballet. I love now working as a principal dancer with EYB because I get to dance challenging and iconic roles and I also teach the young dancers and see them progress. The sets and costumes in the production are superb and the whole experience is one the young dancers (and the audiences) will never forget!”

Set in the Edwardian era on an English country estate, EYB’s dramatic production has an elegant Downton Abbey flavour. The story follows Giselle, a young governess who falls tragically in love with the aristocratic Albert. Betrayed and heartbroken, Giselle dies—only to return as a ghost who chooses love over vengeance. As Albert visits her grave in the moonlit forest, he encounters the Wili Spirits—vengeful phantoms of young women who rise nightly to take revenge on the men who wronged them.

The English Youth Ballet, established in 1998, is renowned for its commitment to nurturing the next generation of dancers. Many former EYB performers have gone on to join world-renowned companies such as The Royal Ballet, and our local dancers are now following in those same inspiring footsteps.

This is a moment of immense pride for the community—seeing our local youngsters perform alongside some of the best in the industry.

Tickets for Giselle at Fareham Live, from Weds 8 - Fri 10 April can be purchased online at https://trafalgartickets.com/fareham-live-fareham