Jasmine is picked for dance premiere

A talented teenage dancer from Rushden has been picked out of almost 400 candidates to join the National Youth Dance Company and is to perform in the world premiere of a new contemporary dance work at Sadler's Wells in London tonight (Thursday) to kick-off a national tour.

By The Newsroom

Published 10th Apr 2016, 07:00 BST

Jasmine Bayes, 15, is one of 40 dancers the company has been working with.

Award-winning choreographer Michael Keegan-Dolan, an associate artist of Sadler’s Wells, has created the piece, which is called In – Nocentes and set to Max Richter’s re-composition of the Four Seasons by Vivaldi.

Jasmine took up ballet aged two and has gone on to study jazz, tap, contemporary dance and singing and is a member of Sharnbrook Mill Youth Theatre.

Jasmine Bayes (Photo: Gigi Giannella Photography)

Her acceptance to the National Youth Dance Company last year was unusual as the company usually takes dancers aged between 16-18. Jasmine was one of 350 dancers who were attempting to earn one of 30 places.

Known for their creativity and performances of innovative and influential dance, they bring together the brightest talent from across England to work with internationally renowned associate artists.