YOUNG dancers from Flixton have been swanning around The Lowry stage this week.

Eight children from Flixton Dance Studio are appearing on stage beside professionals from The Australian Ballet in its cygnet-ure production, Swan Lake.

Nikki Filtom, a teacher at the Princess Road dance school, has been supervising the youngsters during their time at the Salford Quays theatre. She said: ""We were told that they were looking for children to dance in the show, so we sent 12 of ours down to try out and they chose eight to appear.

"There are only four of them on each night, two boys and two girls, so they do one night on and one night off.

"They are really excited about it. When they came off stage on the opening night they said they had really enjoyed it.

"It’s been really nice to see the boys getting involved and enjoying themselves. They are completely in awe of the professional dancers, but they make great role models for them, and it shows them what they can achieve if they work hard enough."

The youngsters have had a hectic schedule – the audition only took place on Sunday. "They rehearsed on Monday afternoon, had the dress rehearsal on Tuesday and that was it," Nikki said.

"They are on the stage for about 35 minutes non-stop, so they have done really well to pick it all up so quickly, especially as they are so young – the oldest is 11 and the youngest is eight.

"They have achieved a huge amount, and the company seems really pleased with them."

Jane Dasilva, the Lowry’s performing arts education manager, said: "The Lowry is committed to supporting and developing the creativity of young people in the region.

"We are delighted that the children from Flixton Dance Studio have this opportunity to perform on The Lowry stage with The Australian Ballet."

Flixton Dance Studio, based in the Curzon Building, has been established for 15 years.

It runs classes in ballet, tap, disco, ballroom, street dance and salsa, plus singing and acting.

The Australian Ballet commissioned this innovative interpretation of Swan Lake to celebrate its 40th anniversary. Since its premiere in 2002 it has become the company’s signature piece.

Swan Lake is on at The Lowry until tomorrow. For tickets call 0870 787 5780.

Tweet