Burnham dancer secures place in prestigious national ballet production

A talented young dancer from Burnham has secured a place in a prestigious national ballet production after impressing judges at a highly competitive audition.

Eighteen-year-old Serena Hennah has been selected to perform in a production of Giselle by the English Youth Ballet.

Serena, who trains at the Pat Steel School of Dance, was chosen earlier this year following auditions that attracted more than 130 young dancers.

They are now part of an elite cast of 83 dancers preparing for three performances at Fareham Live from April 8 to April 10.

The young performer is currently taking part in an intensive rehearsal programme designed to mirror life in a professional ballet company.

“I am enjoying the rehearsal intensives, and I am very excited for this upcoming performance of Giselle,” said Serena.

“I did ballet for a short time when I was very young, and rejoined it when I was twelve. 

“I joined ballet to try a different form of performance, as I enjoyed acting and taking part in plays. 

“My appreciation for ballet has grown dramatically over the six years I’ve attended Pat Steel School of Dance.”

Serena intends to continue integrating dance into life upon leaving Burnham Grammar School, but is interested in working in the film industry or with animals.

“The experience I have gained from previous EYB performances I have taken part in has helped to shape me as a dancer, instilling the importance of performance quality,” added Serena.

“My favourite aspect of performance is bringing a character to life to enhance a story by refining my physicality in set choreography, to communicate my character’s story or traits with the audience.”

The production will feature a mix of young dancers and six international principal artists from companies including English National Ballet and Ballet Cymru.

The classical ballet tells the story of a young governess, Giselle, who falls tragically in love with an aristocrat, Albert, only to be betrayed.

After her death, she returns as a ghost who ultimately chooses love over vengeance.

As Albert visits her grave in the moonlit forest, he encounters the Wili Spirits, vengeful phantoms of young women who rise nightly to take revenge on the men who wronged them.

The show is set on an Edwardian country estate and combines classical dance with dramatic storytelling and an ‘elegant Downton Abbey flavour’.

Dancers selected for the production will complete approximately 60 hours of rehearsals in 10 days, including company warm-up classes and full cast run-throughs.

EYB director Janet Lewis said the organisation aims to give young dancers the chance to experience professional-level performances.

“English Youth Ballet aims to provide performance experience to aspiring young dancers in beautiful venues close to where they live,” she said.

“They learn about developing their artistic and performance skills as well as improving their technique.

“I am always amazed at how quickly the young dancers progress and how positive they are when presented with new challenges.”

English Youth Ballet is an award-winning company whose productions combine professional performers with local young dancers.

Many former participants have gone on to professional careers, with some performing in major companies, including The Royal Ballet.