A NORTH-EAST theatre is again playing host to the English Youth Ballet (EYB) as it gives local youngsters the chance to dance in a professionally-staged classical ballet.

More than 200 young performers from dancing schools in the region auditioned at the Forum Theatre, Billingham, Teesside, for one of 100 places to perform in Coppelia, an amusing, family-friendly ballet.

The EYB was previously at The Forum in 2001 when it staged The Nutcracker to a sell-out audience.

Based in London, the company stages seven productions a year around the country, giving young, keen ballet dancers, aged eight to 18, the chance to take part in something unforgettable.

Two weeks of intensive rehearsals with professional dancers and choreographers precede three performances, which will be on Friday and Saturday, August 19 and 20.

Tickets are available from The Forum box office on (01642) 552663.

Members of the cast, pictured during rehearsal, are Taryn McHugh, nine, who trains at the Karen Heritage School of Dance and Theatre Arts, Stockton, and attends Holy Trinity Junior School, Stockton; Zoe Birkbeck, eight, of Pierremont School of Dance and Abbey Junior School, Darlington; Louise Allison, ten, of Tiffany School of Dance and Abbey Junior School, Darlington; Toni Wooff, 13, of Richmond Dance Centre, Scorton; Nicola Roberts, 14, of D J Dance, Brompton, and Northallerton College; Kate Pilbeam, 12, of Tiffany School of Dance and Hummersknott School and Language College, Darlington; Holly Eeles, 12, of Karen Heritage School of Dance and Theatre Arts; Bethany Heslington, nine, of Joanne Banks Dance School and Ox Close Primary School, Spennymoor; and Hannah Barron, 13, of Tiffany School of Dance in Darlington and Hurworth School.