Two Craven ballet dancers have been chosen to perform in a professional production of Coppelia in June.

Hannah Eastham and Emily Paul, both 12 and pupils at the Skipton-based Northern Dance Centre, were chosen after two-hour National Youth Ballet auditions at the Grand Opera House, York, last Tuesday.

It was their first-ever audition.

“The girls still have huge smiles on their faces,” said dance centre principal Amy Addison. “We are delighted for both girls as they work so hard and have gained distinction for all their ballet exams to date. They are both working towards their RAD Interme-diate exam in the summer.”

Hannah, who lives in Carleton, goes to Skipton Girls’ High School and has been dancing since the age of three while Emily, from Bradley, is a pupil at South Craven School, Cross Hills, and only started dancing two years ago. Both want to become professional dancers.

“This is exactly the sort of experience that will stand them in good stead, working with a professional company and rehearsing in a large theatre,” said Amy. “They will also learn a lot more about costumes and the detail and hard work that goes into a full-length ballet production like Coppelia.”

It will be performed at the Grand Opera House on June 7 and 8.