Article by:
Kathie McInnes
Young dancer Annie Knobbs has already worked with leading artists and choreographers – despite being just 17 years old.
Now she is poised to perform with the English Youth Ballet when they stage Swan Lake at Hanley's Regent theatre this autumn.
Annie, from the Westlands, said: "It's one of the biggest things I've done. I'll find when I start rehearsals whether I'm going to be in a quartet or a soloist."
She has been dancing since the age of three and excels in both contemporary and ballet work.
Annie has also impressed her teachers at Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College, where last week she gained an A in AS-level dance and a B in English literature.
Annie also achieved distinction* grades in the first year of her BTECs in contemporary dance and sport science.
"The A-level dance course teaches you more theory-based stuff and extends your knowledge, while the BTEC is more practical and gives you the chance to perfect your techniques," she said.
Annie also attends the Centre for Advanced Training in Contemporary Dance (CAT) at weekends and has performed at international dance festivals.
"I dance for 20 to 24 hours a week. You have to work at it to get the rewards, but I love the feeling of hard work. I'd like to dance professionally."
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