Barnstaple Ballerina Chloe Squire Shines in English Youth Ballet
BREAKING: A young ballerina from Barnstaple, Chloe Squire, has emerged as a rising star in the dance world after being selected to perform in the prestigious English Youth Ballet production of Coppélia. The 14-year-old dancer earned her spot in the highly competitive three-show production at The Playhouse Theatre in Weston-super-Mare, showcasing her talent among an elite cast of 75 dancers.
Chloe’s remarkable achievement comes following rigorous auditions held in mid-August 2023. She not only secured a place in the production but also received the English Youth Ballet Senior Prize for her outstanding performance quality. This accolade highlights her exceptional skills as she shared the stage with six international principal artists, further elevating the show’s profile.
The three performances captivated audiences and left a lasting impression. Janet Lewis OBE, the director of English Youth Ballet, praised the cast, stating they delivered “three splendid performances” that were well-received by the audience. She specifically noted Chloe’s musicality and lively personality:
“Chloe Squire was awarded the Senior Prize because of the musicality of her dancing and her personality shone out from the stage.”
Reflecting on her experience, a thrilled Chloe said: “I have had the most amazing time these last few weeks learning and rehearsing daily with so many incredible people. I am so grateful for this opportunity and to top it off, I won the Senior Prize for my performance quality. It means a lot to be personally recognized by Miss Lewis when surrounded by so many talented dancers.”
Chloe has dedicated nearly 11 years to dance, currently training for 15 hours a week in various styles, including ballet, contemporary, modern, and jazz. Her passion for dance began at age three, initially as a way to boost her confidence. Now, she describes it as a transformative journey that has become central to her life: “Dance gives me the opportunity to challenge myself and strive for my personal best. There is no greater feeling than moving to music and letting everything else around me disappear.”
She expressed deep gratitude to her dance school, Dancing Feet Academy, for their support: “I can’t thank them enough for giving me the confidence to believe in myself and my dreams. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their support and guidance over the last two years.”
As Chloe continues her journey, she stands as an inspiring figure for aspiring dancers everywhere. The buzz surrounding her performance and recognition serves as a reminder of the extraordinary talent blossoming in Barnstaple and beyond.
Stay tuned for more updates on Chloe Squire’s future endeavors in the world of dance.
