English Youth Ballet announces Buxton auditions for Coppelia

Local young dancers are being offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to dance alongside the professionals when English Youth Ballet (EYB) brings its charming production of COPPELIA to the Buxton Opera House next Spring.

Auditions will be held at Buxton Community School on Saturday 5 December, and up to 100 male and female dancers aged 8–18 from across the region will be selected to join the professional cast for three performances from Fri 19 – Sat 20 March 2027.

Now in its 29th year, EYB is one of the UK’s leading youth ballet companies, led by Director Janet Lewis OBE, a former dancer with The Royal Ballet and London Festival Ballet. The company is known for giving young dancers from local communities the opportunity to train with and perform alongside international professional dancers in stunning productions staged in major theatres across the country.

Janet Lewis says:

“The EYB audition is an experience in itself. We are looking for young dancers of all abilities who can show how much they enjoy dancing. EYB is all about performance experience and building confidence — and that begins at the audition.”

Each audition takes the form of a regular ballet class and parents are warmly invited to watch from the auditorium. Dancers will find out on the day if they have been selected to join the cast.

The company’s professional principals have danced with world-renowned companies including the English National Ballet, San Diego Ballet and Ballet Cymru. EYB productions are famous for their beautiful costumes, impressive sets and inspiring atmosphere — creating a truly magical experience for everyone involved.

For many young performers, this is a dream come true and a chance to make lifelong memories with new friends who share their passion for dance.

Audition Date: Saturday 5 December 2026

Audition Venue: Buxton Community School, College Rd, Buxton SK17 9EA

3.00 – 4.30pm Audition 1 (ages 8 – 11)

5.00 – 6.30pm Audition 2 (ages 12 – 18)

There is a £25.00 audition fee and a performance course fee for those who take part.  It is advisable to register for the audition in advance, but it is possible to register on the day (please arrive 30 mins early).

For more information and to register visit: www.englishyouthballet.co.uk/audition-dates/  or email englishyouthballet@gmail.com