YOUNG dancers have the chance to audition for a prestigious ballet in Weymouth.

They can audition for Coppelia on Wednesday, November 28 at the Pavilion Theatre, Weymouth.

At the audition 100 young male and female dancers (aged between eight and 18) from across the region will be offered the chance to rehearse with and then dance alongside international professional principal dancers in the production for three performances, which will be presented at the pavilion from April 5 to 6, 2019.

The charming story of Coppélia follows the escapades of the dreamy Franz and how he comically falls in love with a beautiful, life-like doll.

The doll – Coppélia – is created by the eccentric, yet mysterious inventor, Dr Coppelius.

The hilarious plot thickens when Franz’s jealous lover, Swanhilda, takes her friends on an adventure into the spooky house of the mad inventor to confront her rival. Of course, the story ends happily after the truth is uncovered. The whole town joins the most extravagant wedding celebration for the smitten Franz and Swanhilda.

Award-winning English Youth Ballet (known as EYB) is now in its 20th successful year and is one of the largest ballet companies in the UK. EYB is a national touring ballet company with director Janet Lewis MBE at its helm. Miss Lewis enjoyed an illustrious dancing career with the Royal Ballet Company and London Festival Ballet dancing alongside such greats as Margot Fonteyn and Rudolf Nureyev.

The company consists of a core team of eight international principal dancers, two artistic ballet staff, two wardrobe mistresses and four theatre technicians. The principal dancers have danced in some of the world’s greatest companies including English National Ballet, La Scala and the Royal Ballet. EYB is highly regarded for presenting lavish, large-scale classical ballets and critics have praised the quality of the beautiful sets and costumes.

EYB Director – Janet Lewis says: “The EYB audition is an experience in itself. EYB is all about performance experience and this starts at the audition as the dancers are given a regular ballet class on the stage.

"Parents and family are encouraged to watch from the audience. We are looking for young dancers of all abilities who can show the audience how much they enjoy their dancing."

Each audition will take the form of a regular ballet class. Dancers will find out on the day if they are successful. It is advisable to register for the audition in advance but it is possible to register on the day (please arrive 30 minutes early to register).

The audition fee is £18 and all dancers participate in a full ballet class. Parents are invited to watch the audition.

Auditions will be held on Wednesday, November 28 at Weymouth Pavilion from 4.30pm to 6.15pm (for dancers aged 8 – 11) and from 6.45pm to 8.30pm (for dancers aged 12 – 18).