SCORES of young dancers are to perform a classic ballet in Bournemouth this week.

Dancers between eight and 18 will take part in English Youth Ballet (EYB) production Sleeping Beauty at the Pavilion on Friday and Saturday.

The performers have completed 60 hours of rehearsals at Harewood College to prepare themselves for the role.

Brenden Bratulic, one of EYB’s principal dancers, has coached the dancers during their rehearsals.

He said: “The young dancers are treated like professional dancers during rehearsals – we work them hard but the results are fantastic.

"They learn what the life of a professional dancer is like.

"They're living out their dreams."

A total of 100 dancers were chosen for the show from auditions held in March.

Director and founder of the company, Janet Lewis MBE, said: "EYB is all about providing extra performance experience to young dancers.

"We saw a very pleasing standard at the audition and it was lovely to see lots of enthusiasm.”

Among those taking part in the show is 14-year-old Kate Browning, of Wimborne.

She said: "I started dancing when I was eight.

"Before that I had gone to my mum’s friend’s acting school where we did dancing, singing and acting.

"I only really enjoyed the dancing part.

"I then started at Studio One and I have loved it ever since.

"I think the thing I am looking forward to about English Youth Ballet is the whole experience of it.

"I love performing and I think this will broaden my experience."

Principal dancer Amy Drew, who will perform as Aurora, has trained younger cast members during rehearsals.

She said: "Rehearsals for Beauty are going very well in Bournemouth.

"I've enjoyed getting to know the young dancers.

"It's wonderful having such talented young people all in the same place and working together."

In 2016, more than 1,500 young dancers auditioned for the opportunity to perform with the EYB. Those who made the cut raised £16,000 for children's hospitals with their performances.

For tickets to Sleeping Beauty, visit bhlivetickets.co.uk