TWO fierce ballerinas trained in the martial arts are preparing for an upcoming performance at the Wycombe Swan.

Eleven-year-old Hope Kelly, who trains in Flackwell Heath, and ten-year-old Alexa Phillips, who trains in Wycombe, will be starring in English Youth Ballet's (EYB) production of Sleeping Beauty which is running on Friday and Saturday nights next weekend.

Both Hope and Alexa have found ways to combine their dual interests in ballet and martial arts, with each discipline enhancing the other.

The two local stars express their enthusiasm and joy about the journey ahead.

Hope's mother, Kelly Krawczynski, said: "She is incredibly driven, and enjoys the challenges of both activities."

Hope began her ballet journey at 2.5-years-old while picking up boxing at the age of nine.

She shared: "Boxing helps my ballet with strength building, which helps me with my jumps and any tricks required during a dance.

"Ballet helps my boxing with balance and foot movements.

"It keeps me upright and able to move around."

She has got two roles in the ballet: a Lilac Attendent and a Russian.

Look forward to a calm, flowing dance in the former and a fast-paced one in the latter.

For Hope, entertaining the audiences and demonstrating her abilities are her top priorities.

She excitedly revealed her ambitious future plans: "My plans for the future are to continue dancing with Medley School of Dance in Wycombe, taking all opportunities available to me, until I reach an age where I'm able to go to dance college."

Alexa, who trains with Focus Martial Arts and started ballet at 4, also shares Hope's enthusiasm.

She described her involvement with martial arts and ballet as complimentary practices, each strengthening her skills in the other.

She pointed out: "Ballet helps with my posture and balance and in kickboxing you have to do a lot of pointing your toes which helps with my ballet."

Echoing Hope's excitement about performing at the Wycombe Swan, Alexa will be a Charm and a Cat in the ballet's performance.

She stated: "These are both exciting roles and the dances are fast and energetic.

"I can't wait to show my dances to my friends and family."

Like Hope, Alexa dreams of continuing her passion and eventually running her own dance school.

The EYB's 26-year production of Sleeping Beauty is a superb platform for young talents, promising a spectacular evening.

EYB brings this spellbinding classic to the Wycombe Swan, offering a unique opportunity for young dancers like Hope and Alexa to perform solo and corps de ballet roles alongside professional dancers.

  • Tickets are still available to next week's performance of Sleeping Beauty at Wycombe Swan. Visit their website for more information.