Snow White Civic performance for Sophie

A TALLAGHT teenager is preparing to perform as part of the Irish National Youth Ballet’s performance of Snow White at the Civic Theatre this month.

Sophie Barry, 16, has been taking ballet classes since the age of three, and is now in her fourth year as a member of the Irish National Youth Ballet.

The Tallaght Community School student trains for 12 hours a week, across five days.

Sophie told The Echo: “I wasn’t the best when I first joined the Irish National Youth Ballet, but as the years have gone on I feel like I’ve progressed a lot.

“In Snow White I’m going to be performing on pointe.

“I love the music from it, and I’ll be dancing to a live orchestra.

The third year student added that she’s very excited about the performance, and said that audiences can expect “a really professional and well choreographed” show.

Sophie has ambitions to pursue a career in ballet dancing, and told The Echo that getting the opportunity to perform Snow White “is really good, because when you’re dancing as a professional you dance with a live orchestra.”

Katherine Lewis from the Irish National Youth Ballet, who are celebrating their 21st anniversary, told The Echo that every child who is in the Irish National Youth Ballet has to audition to join.

She added that this year they decided to perform Snow White as there are seven boys in the junior section of the ballet company, so Snow White was a fitting choice.

The Irish National Youth Ballet’s performance of Snow White will take place on April 27, 28 and 29 in the Civic Theatre.

Evening performances at 8pm are €22, or €16 concession. A performance at midday on Friday 28 will cost €8 and Saturday April 29 at 3pm is €18, or €14 concession.