Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury

My advice to the ballet novice is to build up your appreciation of the art form by simply watching as much as you can.

And what better way of doing this than by watching a classic, performed locally by talented and dedicated youngsters from the area?

The English Youth Ballet’s performance of Swan Lake at the Marlowe Theatre left me in awe and heartfelt admiration of the enthusiasm and technical merits of the young ballerinas and ballet masters who worked so hard to stage such a captivating performance.

Eased into the love story by the soft tones of the oboe, the tender love of Prince Sergei and Odette grows throughout the performance, shifting dramatically to the sometimes dark and sinister scenes of the plotting Von Rothbart and Odile.

The principal dancers were faultless, deserving of their solo roles, but more importantly scoring recognition within their profession that should see them go on to great heights. Especially so for Oli Speers and Julianne Rice-Oxley.

From the youngest to the oldest ballerinas, solos to group scenes, they executed every move with grace, from the stubs of their shoes to the tips of their fingernails.

They were a pleasure to watch, for their timing, eloquence and the sheer joy in their faces from performing on the Marlowe’s stage.

And the fact that the young performers learnt it all at a one-week workshop makes it the more awe-inspiring.

Sad and at times funny, the hero (Oliver Speers) and heroine (Julianne Rice-Oxley) were as convincing as the villain Von Rothbart (Steven Wheeler) was repellent.

Special mention to the swans, Spanish, Hungarian and Neapolitan dancers as well as the stage crew and set costume and lighting designers.

But the star of the show was the tiniest boy dancer of all, who inspired endearing giggles for his rhythm, cuteness and comedy timing.