Clara to shine in prestigious ballet production
The talent of Clara Jackson (10) from Woore is set to take centre stage as she joins the prestigious English Youth Ballet (EYB) in its upcoming production of Coppélia. After competing in highly selective auditions last November, this dedicated young performer earned her place in the elite 82-strong cast, sharing the stage with internationally acclaimed professional dancers at the Shrewsbury Theatre Severn from 25 – 26 April 2025.
This is an extraordinary opportunity for Clara, who trains at The Academy for Performing Arts. She is currently experiencing firsthand what it means to be a professional dancer, taking part in rigorous daily rehearsals that include intensive ballet training and coaching from industry professionals. Their journey is a testament to their dedication, discipline, and passion for dance, and they are making the entire community proud.
Clara said: “I started dancing when I was three because I couldn’t stop moving to music. I would jiggle around the house, making my parents watch every little performance, until they decided I belonged on stage and signed me up for lessons.
"Dancing feels amazing because it’s fun, exciting, and makes you feel free. Moving to the music is like telling a story without words, and when you finally get a hard move right, it feels like a big achievement. Dancing with friends is the best because you support each other and have fun together. Being on stage is a little scary at first, but once you start, it feels natural, and when people clap, it makes you really proud.
