Two young dancers from Oldham are set to make their mark on a major stage as they prepare for the English Youth Ballet's production of Swan Lake at the Palace Theatre Manchester, a prestigious opportunity that highlights the talent thriving in the town's dance community.

Elodie Catherall, nine, and Evie Fielding, 11, both train at Kirsten's Dance Academy in Oldham. They earned their places in the production after competing in auditions in March, where they were selected from over 230 hopefuls to join a cast of 97 young dancers from across the region. The audition process was rigorous, assessing both technical ability and performance potential.

The Oldham pair are now in the midst of an intensive rehearsal schedule that includes 60 hours of rehearsals over 10 days, daily company warm-up classes, and full cast performances. This rigorous preparation is designed to mirror the demands of a professional ballet company, giving the young dancers a taste of life backstage and on stage. It includes focused sessions on technique, artistry, and stamina, all under the guidance of experienced professionals from the English Youth Ballet.

Kirsten's Dance Academy in Oldham has been a cornerstone of their dance education. The school is known for its commitment to nurturing young talent, and this achievement reflects the high standard of training available locally. The academy offers a range of classes in ballet and other dance styles, fostering a love for performance in its students.

For Elodie, who started dancing at 18 months old, the excitement is palpable: "I started dancing when I was one and a half years old. Since I was little, I’ve always loved to sing and dance. I just love to dance and perform – it makes me feel so happy. I am so excited for this experience and I can’t wait to perform in Swan Lake with the English Youth Ballet on the gigantic stage at the Palace Theatre."

Evie, who began dancing at age two, echoed the sentiment: "I started dancing when my mum took me to baby ballet when I was two years old. Since then, I have been dancing day in and day out. It will be amazing to experience dancing in a professional production and learning from the principal dancers. To be able to dance at the Palace Theatre, a place where I have watched many famous shows, will be a dream come true."

Janet Lewis OBE, director of English Youth Ballet, spoke about the company's mission: "English Youth Ballet’s aim is to provide performance experience to aspiring young dancers in beautiful venues close to where they live. The young dancers get to experience what life is like in a professional ballet company. They learn about developing their artistic and performance skills as well as improving their technique. I am always amazed at how quickly the young dancers progress and how positive they are when presented with new challenges."

The production will feature these local talents alongside eight international principal artists, offering a unique learning opportunity. For Oldham, it's a chance to see homegrown talent shine on a prestigious stage, reflecting the strength of dance education at Kirsten's Dance Academy and the wider community support.

Swan Lake, set in 1895 Imperial Russia, follows the story of Odette, a dancer with the Mariinsky Ballet, and Prince Sergei, son of the Tsar, in a drama centred around love, rivalry, and ambition. With Tchaikovsky's iconic score, the ballet is a perennial favourite, and the English Youth Ballet's interpretation promises to be a captivating show for audiences of all ages. The production aims to make this classic accessible to young performers and audiences alike.

The performances will take place at the Palace Theatre Manchester on Friday 5 and Saturday 6 June 2026. With two days of shows, there is plenty of opportunity for the local community to attend and cheer on Elodie and Evie. Tickets are expected to be in high demand, reflecting widespread interest in this local success story.

This experience is a testament to the dedication of the dancers and the support from their families and dance school. As they take to the stage, they will be representing Oldham with pride, inspiring other young people in the town to pursue their dreams in dance and beyond. For Elodie and Evie, this is not just a performance but a stepping stone in their artistic journeys, and the town will be watching their progress with pride.