An East Renfrewshire dance prodigy has been selected to star in Scottish Ballet’s (SB) touring production of Cinders over the winter season.
Emma Dean, 10, who is a member of SB’s Junior Associate programme, is one of six youngsters, including three girls and three boys, who will be sharing the role of young Cinders.
According to SB, this “playful new production” will delight audiences with a charming twist on festive favourite Cinderella with a surprise in store each night for those coming along.
Indeed, on some nights, Cinders will be a woman, swept off her feet by her prince, and on others, Cinders will be a man, swept off his feet by his princess.
Emma’s mum Jodi from Netherlee told the Barrhead News: “The audition process was like a class and they were given a set piece to dance.
"There were two auditions and there were about 57 in the one Emma was in and then there was another lot of maybe a similar amount.
"They then cut it down to 15 and then they brought them back again and they had another workshop and they had to dance in front of the director of SB.
“From that a decision was made and we got notification that she had been successful."
“It’s exciting," she added.
"She’s rehearsing four times a week now at the SB building beside the Tramway in Glasgow.
“In the week beginning December 1, rehearsals will be in the Theatre Royal with the full company and with SB’s orchestra.
“I don't know how, but she doesn't really get nervous. She just thrives on that the performing element of it and she's loving working with the principal dancers of the SB, who are in the lead roles.”
The production, which is set in a draper’s store, will feature a brand-new, art-nouveau inspired set with exquisite details, and sumptuous, sparkling costume designs.
After enjoying its run at the Theatre Royal in Glasgow from December 9 to 31, the production will then be taken to the Festival Theatre, Edinburgh (from January 5 to 20), His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen (from January 24 to 27) and Eden Court Theatre, Inverness (from January 31 to February 3).
It will then head south of the border for a run at the Theatre Royal, Newcastle from (February 7 to 10).
The Netherlee Primary pupil’s selection is the latest in a string of success she has achieved this year.
In the Scottish Championships in April, the dance all rounder became the Scottish juvenile ballet, modern, and acro dance champion.
In July, meanwhile, she danced her way to a world champion title after travelling to Braga in Portugal to compete in the Dance World Cup and scooping, in her age group, the gold medal for tap, the silver medal for acro and placing sixth in jazz dance.
The schoolgirl’s efforts were recognised in the UK Parliament with an early day motion tabled by East Renfrewshire MP Kirsten Oswald in September.
After moving up an age group, she has recently made Theatre Guidance Council international championship finals in tap, modern and ballet and won one for acro.
The P6 pupil attends Dancebase Academy and Performing Arts in Vale of Leven, where principal teacher and founder Lindsey Donald encouraged her to audition to be an SB junior associate and then supported her to audition for the part of Cinders.
A post on Dancebase’s social media page said: “All the teachers couldn’t be prouder of our little Scottish Juvenile Ballet Champion who has big dreams and we just can't wait to watch Emma perform over Christmas time.
“Emma, you are so hard working and I know this is so well deserved.”
“Enjoy every single moment and I can’t wait to watch you on that big stage with some tissues,” the dance school added.
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