Tyron Hogan from Delvin, who is play Fritz and Kian Newcombe, Mullingar, who will play the Prince in The Irish National Youth Ballet’s forthcoming show, The Nutcracker.

Local dancers in starring roles with Irish National Youth Ballet

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Two young Westmeath dancers have this week learned that they have not only secured their places in the Irish National Youth Ballet (INYB), but they will also each play lead roles.

Kian Newcombe from Mullingar will play the prince and Tyron Hogan from Delvin will play Fritz in The Nutcracker, the closing show of INYB’s 30th anniversary year this December.

A Strategically Funded organisation with the Arts Council, INYB provides a platform for young dancers, allowing them to train with internationally acclaimed teachers and perform in semi-professional productions. Many former members have gone on to professional ballet careers, and this opportunity gives the dancers a solid foundation for their future in the arts.

Kian and Tyron are success stories from the INYB Boys Associates programme. Both spent time learning and honing their craft in this boys specific programme before successfully auditioning for the main company.

According to a spokesperson for the INYB, the two young dancers could not have gained their places in INYB if they hadn’t already been so well trained by their local teachers - Nicola Farcas and Anne Marie Bentick.

Lindsay Ashe-Browne, artistic director of INYB, praised the collective talent: “Finishing the 30th anniversary year with The Nutcracker feels like a monumental moment to celebrate and enjoy showcasing these talented young dancers.

“Having three decades to be proud of is an achievement not many dance companies get to mark here in Ireland.

“We know how lucky we are but also how much hard work and dedication goes into INYB by the staff, volunteers, parents and of course the young dancers themselves who dedicate their time and energy to these performances.”

Dance enthusiasts and those looking for a family friendly Christmas show are invited to support the talented dancers as they take the stage at O’Reilly Theatre, Belvedere College in December, where The Nutcracker will close out INYB’s 30th-anniversary celebrations. Performances run from Friday December 5, to Sunday December 7, including matinee and evening shows.

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