THREE young West Somerset dancers have earned places in the prestigious English Youth Ballet (EYB) production of Coppélia.

The trio join an elite cast of 75 dancers after highly-competitive auditions and will take the stage alongside internationally-acclaimed professional dancers at The Playhouse Theatre, in Weston-super-Mare, on Friday and Saturday, August 15 and 16.

They are Amanda Lynch, Ellie Jones, and Sophie-Jo Morton-Watts, who all train with the Spotlight Dance Academy, in Minehead, run by former professional dancer Laura Cook.

Ellie, aged 13, and 11-year-old Amanda are pupils of Minehead Middle School, while Sophie-Jo, aged 15, attends the town’s West Somerset College.

The girls are currently immersed in rehearsals, where they are experiencing the life of a professional dancer, refining their skills, and preparing for ‘an unforgettable performance’ as the excitement builds.

Amanda, of Alcombe, said: “I started dancing when I was three with my friends.

“We still dance together now and we have lots of fun.

“The best feeling about dancing is being on stage, it makes me happy.

“I also like making connections with people in my dance school.

“Having this opportunity to dance with EYB, I hope to learn new dance steps and have more confidence in myself and my dance.”

EYB principal Ann Wall will be starring in the production as Swanhilda.

Ms Wall previously danced with the English National Ballet and Ballet Cymru.

She said: “Teaching young dancers is incredibly rewarding as I get to see them learn new steps and grow in confidence.

“It is magical to see how they progress and blossom on stage and it brings me great joy to dance alongside them.

“In a sense, it feels like we all inspire each other.

“When I watch the young people dancing, it reminds me of why I dance, to bring joy, to feel joy, and to connect through dance.”