Spanish dancer Monica Tapiador in English Youth Ballet’s new production of Cinderella in Hollywood in Shrewsbury

Monica was born in Spain and before joining EYB she danced with La Scala Theatre Ballet and English National Ballet.

Set in the glamorous era of 1950s Hollywood movies, the lavish production draws its inspiration from the film star Grace Kelly who met Prince Rainier of Monaco at a press party and later married him.

Cinderella is a seamstress on a film set and the Fairy Godmother is her late mother – a former movie star of the 1930s. Her wicked sisters are Hollywood starlets competing with each other for starring film roles. The Prince meets Cinderella at the press party but at midnight she flees from the scene leaving a sparkly silver pointe-shoe as the only clue to her identity.

The choreography has been created by Director Janet Lewis and her team of international principal artists, who coach the young dancers.

The music combines Shostakovich Jazz Suites and Ballet Suites with memorable melodies from Hollywood films such as Tea for Two, Chinatown and Dancing in the Dark. The stunning new stage designs for the ballet are by Sebastian Petit and the costume designs are by Keith Bish.

We caught up with Monica to find out more about the show and what makes her tick:

How does the role of Cinderella that you will be dancing differ from the fairy tale?

My Cinderella is very different to the Disney movie. She works in the wardrobe department of a Hollywood film studio in the 1950s. She lost her mother when she was younger so she had to grow up very fast. Her step-sisters aren’t ugly – they are wicked Hollywood starlets. Cinderella dreams of becoming a movie star – just like her mother.

What are the biggest challenges of the role for you?

It’s important not to get into the cliché of playing the artificial or fairy tale role. I want my Cinderella to be a real girl that the audience can identify with. Also, the style of the choreography is neo-classical (quite modern ballet) and my body is having to find new and different ways of moving that I’m not used to.

What do you think that the audiences will enjoy most about the new production?

The audience will love the selection of music in the ballet. We have beautiful orchestral jazz and classical music that the audience are familiar with. It really helps to create the Hollywood atmosphere. There are also many styles of dance – from glamorous show dancing to classical waltzes. I think that Cinderella’s motorised buggy that takes her to the press party will be a hit. It is so Hollywood!

What have you enjoyed most about coaching the Shropshire young dancers in the cast?

I have liked seeing the transition they have made since day one of rehearsals. At the beginning, they were quite unsure and nervous and they have become so much more confident and disciplined as rehearsals have progressed. They are learning how to work as a team and really push themselves.

What advice would you give any young dancer considering a career in dance?

If you can learn to believe in what you do then the audience will also believe in you. I think they should keep their passion even through the difficult times. Keep an eye on the goal that is driving you – even on the days when you don’t feel that motivated. It is such an amazing feeling to work in a job you love.

l Cinderella in Hollywood will be presented tonight and tomorrow at Theatre Severn. For tickets contact the box office on 01743 281281 or visit www.theatresevern.co.uk