YOUNG dancers from all over the North-East showed their talent last night in a performance of Sleeping Beauty at Darlington's Civic Theatre.

In a dazzling display of confidence and dancing ability, 106 of the region's aspiring ballet dancers took part in a spectacularly professional performance.

The English Youth Ballet (EYB) production was originally scheduled to run for two nights, but a matinee performance will now take place at 2pm today because of high demand for tickets.

Sixty of the cast, aged from eight to 18, who auditioned for parts back in January, are from Darlington dancing schools.

"This is probably the greatest number of students that we have taken from any one area," said EYB spokeswoman Bridget Hearne.

For some, it was their first chance to perform in public, and it was the first time that the EYB has visited the Civic Theatre since the company was set up in 1998.

"Our aim is to give young dancers in the regions of England more opportunities to perform in full-length classical ballets with professionals and in front of an audience," said EYB director Janet Lewis. "It is quite different to what they may have experienced with their dancing schools' shows.

"Getting a place in a show is not automatic. Everyone has to audition, whether they have danced with us before or not."

The EYB aims to put on seven productions a year around the country, showcasing the popular ballets The Nutcracker, Coppelia and Sleeping Beauty.

The children have to attend 11 rehearsal sessions and two stage rehearsals before the performances.

"It is a short time to achieve a performance," said Ms Lewis. "But we try to arrange rehearsals during holidays and weekends.

"When we first started we staged one performance. The following year it was two, then four.

"We are up to seven a year which is the maximum we can manage with auditions and rehearsals."

It may not be a long time to rehearse but the work that the youngsters put in is evident in their performances.

They were wonderful. Their smiles were genuine and their moves graceful and accomplished. The hard work and long hours have paid off to the credit of the professionals in the EYB.

The four principals who tour with the company, Nadia Sadiq, Julianne Rice-Oxley, Kasper Cornish and Roddie Patrizio, are all internationally known for their work with young dancers.

It is a demanding ballet so the principals alternate the lead roles of Aurora and Aunt Lilac, and Prince Alexander and Aunt Carabosse.

The costumes were spectacular. Every head-dress was in place and shoes were shining.

With a minimum of props, all eyes were on the dancers, some of whom took solo parts.

It was a wonderful night for the young dancers, who obviously enjoyed themselves, and a wonderful night for parents and friends, who see the end result without always appreciating the hard work.

For tickets for today's matinee and 7.30pm performances, contact the box office on (01325) 486555.

Heather Barron