Auditions for the English Youth Ballet at the Grand Theatre keep dancers on their toes - in photos

It was a ballet lesson with a difference for the dancers, aged from 8-18, who performed in auditions at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.

Amongst the judges was director, Janet Lewis MBE, who explained that this is the 19th year of the English Youth Ballet (EYB).

Dancers were hoping to get through to the next round, where they will rehearse and perform with principle dancers.

Here, they will get the chance to perform in the double production of the Nutcracker Suite and Ballet Etudes at the Grand Theatre from September 29 to September 30.

Ben Garner, the marketing manager of EYB said the company was "looking for dancers with potential who enjoy dancing."

He added: "We try to help them to relax when they come to audition, because like them, we are human. We care about them as dancers, not numbers.

"It is a great opportunity. When they have worked with us, they get the bug and it confirms what they want to do as a career, but even people who don't get through praise how good the auditions are. It's all about the experience."

Kerry Baggott, 42, from Stourbridge was there with her daughter, Katie Baggott, 14.

Katie was auditioning for the senior category, which ranges from 12-18, and has been dancing since she was three years old.

Ms Baggott said: "Katie has got through to reserve before. We enjoy the whole experience, even the audition is like a dance class, and it gives Katie a taste of the profession."

Mrs Samantha Goode, 44, from Sutton Coldfield was another parent at the audition.

She said: "This is a really valuable opportunity, to be able to perform in a proper theatre, combined with the teaching element."

Dancers were told on the day whether or not they had made it through to the next round.

Mrs Goode's daughter, Rhiannon, 12, was one of the dancers who got through to the next round, being offered a place to perform.

On top of that, Rhiannon was asked to audition for a scholarship.

Mrs Goode said: "Although she didn't get offered the scholarship, being asked to audition for it, considering her age is amazing."

She added: "Rhiannon must be one of the youngest in the senior category as she is only 12, so we were all really pleased."