A DANCER has opened up about the intriguing world of ballet as she prepares to take to the stage at Wycombe Swan next month.

Ann Wall, a principal dancer with the English Youth Ballet (EYB), will be headlining the much-anticipated production of 'Sleeping Beauty' at the town centre theatre from August 9 to 10.

The London-born dancer, who spent most of her youth in Wales, shares her passion for ballet and her experience working with the EYB.

Miss Wall said: "Being a principal ballerina with EYB means I get to perform very special roles from the classical ballets, alongside talented groups of children across the UK.

"We rehearse in schools around the country and then we perform full productions of the ballets in beautiful theatres such as The Wycombe Swan."

Being appointed principal dancer is not for the faint of heart. It is is a gruelling undertaking, but an exciting one.

She said: "As principals, we are always very busy! When I am not teaching, I am doing my own training and rehearsals.

"The EYB principals rehearse during the week in London and every day I take ballet class myself too. I also do supplementary strength training to protect me from injuries and use visualisation to help me prepare mentally for the roles I dance.

"For the teaching, I do lots of planning to adapt and choreograph dances to suit each group of young people, as well as teaching them technique class. There is a lot of preparation that goes on behind the scenes."

Assuming the iconic role of Aurora in 'Sleeping Beauty', Miss Wall explained: "Aurora must convey an innocent exuberance as a sixteen year old girl, showing endless energy balanced with a calm composure.

"There are many technical challenges within the role... It also needs a lot of stamina across 3 acts.

"It is an incredible role and one which I am so grateful to be dancing."

When asked her favourite principal role, Miss Wall confessed: "It is hard to choose, but I recently had my debut as Giselle at the Theatre Royal Nottingham and found the role so rewarding."

In terms of her favourite dancers, she revealed: "My all time inspiration is the famous ballerina Anna Pavlova... But of the dancers today, I am especially inspired by Misty Copeland from American Ballet Theatre and Vadim Muntagirov from the Royal Ballet."

As well as performing, Miss Wall views it as her duty to guide and inspire the EYB students.

She said: "I think it is great for them to see all the work that goes into being a professional... Equally for me as a principal it is magical to see how the young people progress and blossom on stage and it brings me great joy to dance alongside them."

Her advice to these young dancers?

"Work hard, keep being curious and striving for the next challenge.

"Follow your dreams and remember to share your unique qualities and love of dance with those who watch you."

The production of 'Sleeping Beauty' will be staged at the Wycombe Swan and features seven international principal dancers and 90 of the region's most talented young dancers.