Westholme School ballerina, Sienna Hodgson, 12, has been offered a place in the English Youth Ballet production of Swan Lake. This follows Sienna’s earlier success last year, where she was crowned World Dance Champion, at the prestigious Dance World Cup, marking another exceptional milestone in her rapidly rising dance career.
Sienna auditioned live at the Manchester Opera House alongside 80 senior ballet students aged between 12 and 18 from across the region.
Demonstrating exceptional skill, poise and stage presence, she progressed through the demanding audition process and was selected not only for a role in the production but was also recalled as one of the final seven dancers considered for a bursary place.
This recognition is particularly impressive as Sienna was one of the youngest dancers auditioning, performing against many older and more experienced students. Reaching the final bursary recall places her among the top performers from the entire audition group.
As part of the cast, Sienna will now take to the stage in the English Youth Ballet’s production of Swan Lake, which will be performed at the Palace Theatre this June. The opportunity will see her rehearse with professional choreographers and perform in one of the most iconic classical ballets ever created.
Sienna, from Rishton, who trains at Vale Studios in Stockport and the Royal Ballet School in Manchester, said: "I absolutely love classical ballet and have always dreamt of being in a professional ballet production, so I am extremely excited and grateful for this amazing opportunity.”
The news comes just weeks after Sienna was awarded the Most Outstanding Performance - Contemporary award at the 2026 Performance Platform Finals in London.
Held at the prestigious Britten Theatre, Royal College of Music, the Performance Platform Finals is one of the UK's premier vocational ballet competitions for young dancers aged 9-19. Judges included heads of the country's leading vocational ballet schools, including The Royal Ballet, Elmhurst Ballet School, Tring Park School, National Youth Ballet and English National Ballet.
Sienna will also be training with the Royal Ballet School as part of its highly competitive Spring Intensive programme at White Lodge in Surrey, where talented young dancers take part in classes led by the school’s artistic staff and guest teachers to develop technique, artistry and performance skills.
Paul Taylor, Principal at Westholme School, added: “What an outstanding achievement. Sienna continues to go from strength to strength, and we are incredibly proud of all she has accomplished. Her dedication and passion for dance are truly exemplary, and this opportunity is thoroughly deserved. We look forward to seeing her shine on stage this summer and following her continued success in the future.”