Northampton's Siena to shine in prestigious ballet production

The talents of Siena Horler (12) from Moulton is set to take centre stage as she joins the prestigious English Youth Ballet in its upcoming production of Swan Lake.  Siena trains both the Leonard School of Dance and the Mayhew School of Dance.  After competing in highly selective auditions in April, the dedicated young performers earned their place in the elite 98-strong cast.  They will share the stage with internationally acclaimed professional dancers at the Nottingham Theatre Royal from Fri 17 – Sat 18 July 2026.

 This is an extraordinary opportunity for Siena.  She is currently experiencing firsthand what it means to be a professional dancer, taking part in rigorous daily rehearsals that include intensive ballet training and coaching from industry professionals. Her journey is a testament to her dedication, discipline, and passion for dance, and she is making the entire community proud.

 Siena said “ I started ballet when I was four years old. Even then, it felt natural to me. Dancing calms me: it’s the only place where I can forget about my stress and anxiety.

I think the best feelings of being a dancer is being able to express how I feel through the music. Dancing - no matter what type of dancing - gives you a sense of accomplishment when you master a routine or step. Often it can really help with self-confidence too.

I have been in an EYB show three times now. Every time I learn something. This time, I am excited to be able to participate in Swan Lake because I have never watched it before. I want to be able to understand the story, and learn some new steps as acting in Swan Lake.”

 EYB’s emotionally charged production of Swan Lake is set in 1895 Imperial Russia and tells of love, rivalry, greed and murder. The action takes place in the Mariinsky Theatre - where the Mariinsky Ballet are preparing for a production of Swan Lake - and the sumptuous Royal Palace of the Tsar. Two unlikely lovers meet, Odette, a dancer with the Mariinsky Ballet and Prince Sergei, son to the Tsar. The Tsar must ensure that Prince Sergei does not marry beneath his station. Equally, the tyrannical Baron Von Rothbart would do anything to secure a royal patronage for his ballet company. He would even manipulate his own daughter – Odile – to compete for the affections of the Prince.

 EYB Principal Ann Wall (pictured) will play the role of Odette – The White Swan.  She spoke about the joy of working with such talented young dancers.   She said “Being part of EYB is an amazing experience for any young dancer.  I feel privileged to be a principal dancer with the company.  I enjoy teaching and coaching all the young dancers and I see some of the most talented young dancers in the country.  I feel honoured to be a role model to the dancers and help give them an insight into the world of professional ballet.  Dancing with EYB is an experience that will stay with the young dancers forever.”

 The English Youth Ballet, established in 1998, is renowned for its commitment to nurturing the next generation of dancers. Many former EYB performers have gone on to join world-renowned companies such as The Royal Ballet, and our local dancers are now following in those same inspiring footsteps.

 This is a moment of immense pride for our community—seeing Siena perform alongside some of the best in the industry.

 Tickets for Swan Lake at the Nottingham Theatre Royal from Fri  17  – Sat  18 July can be purchased at the Box Office, by calling 0115 989 5555, or online at https://www.trch.co.uk/whats-on/english-youth-ballet-swan-lake-j6ry