TALENTED young dancers from Dudley have been chosen to star in the English Youth Ballet's forthcoming production of Giselle.

Tiana Homer, aged 16, and Hope Wilson, aged 10, were selected in June from more than 200 hopefuls to be part of the 100-strong cast.

Both have been dancing since they were toddlers and were overjoyed to be picked to perform in the show which will run at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from September 6 to 7.

Tiana, who attends CMJ Studios dance school, said: “This will be my 4th time performing with EYB and I always come away learning new things and having improved my technique, I really hope to continue to develop my technique en-pointe during rehearsals for Giselle.”

The teenager, from Dudley, who had her first dance lessons at the age of two, is also celebrating having been offered a place at Jelli Studios in Liverpool which she will take up in September.

Hope, from Milking Bank, has been enjoying ballet lessons at the Marilyn Harris School of Dance since 2019 – having first started dancing at the age of three.

The youngster, who attends Milking Bank Primary School, said: “I’m looking forward to the experience of being a part of a professional production with professional dancers at EYB.

“I hope that I’ll learn lots that I can then apply to our shows at Marilyn Harris. It will also be a great way to meet other dancers who share a passion for ballet.”

EYB director Janet Lewis OBE said: “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.”

Tiana and Hope and their fellow cast members will have rehearsed for 60 hours over 10 days of rehearsals at weekends at Gospel Oak School in Tipton.

The story of Giselle, set in the Edwardian era, sees a young governess die of a broken heart after falling in love with aristocrat Albert who betrays her. After her death her ghost chooses to protect Albert from the macabre spirits of other young women that also lurk in the graveyard keen to seek revenge on the local town’s menfolk.

The haunting production will feature six international principal dancers including Olivia Richards who will be starring as Giselle.

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.”

Tickets for Giselle can be bought at the box office at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre on 01902 429212 or online at grandtheatre.co.uk