Young dance prodigy secures spot on English Youth Ballet show

Following rounds of competitive auditions, 11-year-old George Alderson has been selected to be part of a 100-strong cast for the English Youth Ballet's 'Cinderella in Hollywood' production next week.

With the Hope Academy pupil joining RW Dance in Newton-le-Willows at the age of six, the selection is another nod to his talent and potential after previously performing for the Royal Ballet School and Hammond Associate Programme. 

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George has also performed with the Royal Ballet School and Hammond Associate Programme (Image: Rebecca Walton Banks)
Speaking about his selection, RW dance teacher Rebecca Walton Banks said: "George has been coming to RW since he was six years old and he is so naturally talented, but he also been really helped by our teachers to develop that talent.

"George wants to dance professionally and he is so committed so we are so proud of him, and his family are over the moon.

"The Opera House is such a huge stage so we can't wait to see him up there!"

RW cater for a wide variety of ages and dance styles (Image: Rebecca Walton Banks)
With RW Dance School launching on Wargrave Road in 2001, it was originally the first dance school in Newton and offers a range of styles such as street, tap, and ballet, as well as drama and singing lessons.

After building a trusted reputation over the years, the dance school had an extremely challenging time during the pandemic as its customers dwindled from around 200 to just 30 dancers.

Since covid restrictions were lifted, Rebecca said that the team has "really knuckled down" to build the school back up and George is one of the shining stars that RW can show off and celebrate.