FOUR talented young dancers from Hillingdon will be part of the 90-strong cast of English Youth Ballet’s production of Sleeping Beauty. 

George Foster-Aiton, from Cowley, Roseanna O’Neill, of Ruislip, Florence Bardwell from West Drayton, and Emma Tim, of Harmondsworth, were selected after hugely competitive auditions. 

They are currently experiencing the life of a professional dancer in rehearsals for Sleeping Beauty at the Wycombe Swan Theatre on Friday and Saturday, August 9 and 10.

George, aged 10, of the Hillingdon Theatre Dance Centee, attends Colham Manor Primary School.

Roseanna, 11, from Suzanne’s School of Dance and Drama, is at St Catherine’s Primary School.

Florence, 14, of Harrow Theatre Dance, attends Bishop Ramsey School and Emma, 14, of Hillingdon Theatre Dance, is educated at home.

Florence said: “I was three when I joined my local ballet class. My mum said I needed to burn off some energy!

“I love being expressive and not thinking about anything else except dancing.

“At EYB, I'm excited to see how a professional show is put together and to perform with and see how professional dancers work.”  

George added: “Anyone can dance even if you have a disability.” He has osteogenesis imperfecta type 1 brittle bones and autism but has danced since he was three. 

EYB principal Ann Wall, who will be starring as Aurora in the production, said: Dancing with EYB is an experience that will stay with the young dancers forever.”