Greasbrough ballet dancer Izzy (13) picked to star in Swan Lake

Isabelle Latham (13) will perform at the Grand Opera House York after being selected by the English Youth Ballet (EYB) at a competitive audition in June.

Oakwood pupil Isabelle, who is known as Izzy, was shocked to be selected after being one of the youngest dancers taking part in the senior audition group, dancing alongside people five years older than her.

Izzy will be performing at the Opera House from September 27 to 28 along with 90 of the most talented young dancers from Yorkshire.

She will share the stage with EYB principal dancer Monica Tapiador, who has performed with the English National Ballet and will star as Odile — the Black Swan. 

Proud parents Marion and Paul, both 53, and their youngest daughter Jessie (10) watched Izzy receive the news on stage after her audition that she had been successful.

Marion, of Greasbrough, said: “Her face was just a picture.

“I could see it dawn on her and her jaw almost dropped to her knees, we had our hearts in our mouths.

“The look on her face was amazing, I’m so pleased for her, it’s such an opportunity.”

Izzy, who started rehearsals this week, will perform the Hungarian National Dance and The Ladies in Waiting ballet dance.

Izzy began dancing aged three at Thompson Dance Studios in Rotherham, where her mum also danced, and Swan Lake will be her first professional production.

Marion, who works for South Yorkshire Police, said: “I danced when I was younger but not at the same level she’s dancing now.”

Dance teacher Monika Richards first pointed out Izzy’s talents to her mum around 18 months ago — saying she had the potential to make a career out of dancing.

Monika, who encouraged Izzy to audition for Swan Lake, highlighted how Izzy’s own transformation had echoes of the lead character in the fairytale story.

“Izzy was quite a shy child, who was quite reluctant to come into class when she started at Thompson’s at three years old,” she said. 

“Not only has she turned into a lovely dancer but she is also a lovely young lady. 

“She definitely has the determination, work ethic and ability to pursue dance as a career. 

“We are very proud of all her dancing and performing achievements as we are of all our students at the dance studios.”

For the last year, Izzy has also danced weekly at the Northern Ballet Academy and SLP Dance College, both in Leeds.

After starring in Swan Lake, Izzy will be back on the Rotherham Civic Theatre stage in November with Wickersley Youngstars, performing in Footloose.