Dovercourt dancing prodigy joins prestigious West Ends Kids

Holly Cooper-Keeble, 13, of Douglas Road, Dovercourt, has won a coveted place with West End Kids, following a tough audition and lengthy trial period.

The youngster, who has been dancing since the age of two, is currently in Year Eight at Harwich and Dovercourt High School.

This summer she will appear with the troupe alongside the casts of West End shows and some of the biggest names in entertainment.

The troupe appeared at the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations at Windsor Castle on May 15, and will perform at West End LIVE in Trafalgar Square , and Camp Bestival, at Lulworth Castle.

“I’m so happy to have been offered a place,” said Holly.

“I honestly can’t believe it, I cried when I found out that I passed my trial and made it into the main performance troupe .

“I was particularly excited about performing at the Queen’s 90th birth day celebration as it is was my first perfor mance with the troupe, and such a great honour. West End LIVE is going to be so exciting too.

“It’s a huge event in Trafalgar Square that showcases all the West End shows.

“I can’t really believe that in a few months I will be performing alongside the casts of West End shows in front of thousands of people .”

West End Kids is a 20-strong elite musical theatre song and dance troupe based in Central London.

The company provides a programme of on the job training, combining intensive weekend rehearsals with a busy performance schedule .

Martin Williams, founder and artistic director of West End Kids, said: “We are delighted to welcome Holly.

"She is a talented young performer and we are confident she will be an asset to our troupe.

“Our audition process is thorough.

"To be part of our troupe you not only have to be a strong singer and dancer, but you have to be prepared to work hard.

“We are demanding, but we know talented kids love to be pushed hard and so that is what we do."