Rising young Blackpool dancers selected for prestigious national tour
Two rising stars from Blackpool’s vibrant dance scene have secured places in the nationally renowned Sadler’s Wells National Youth Dance Company.
Two young dancers from Blackpool are set to take the national stage after earning coveted places in the Sadler’s Wells National Youth Dance Company (NYDC).
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Charlie Ratcliffe and Michael Omoruyi will tour nationally this spring as part of NYDC’s latest production, Memory Keepers which opens at DanceEast in Ipswich on 11 April.
Both secured their places after auditioning last summer when NYDC brought auditions to Blackpool during the Capital of Dance festival.
Their success marks the second consecutive year that dancers from House of Wingz have been selected, underlining the growing reputation of Blackpool as a hub for emerging talent.
Following last year’s success, competition for places was fierce making Charlie and Michael’s achievement even more significant.
This year’s production is led by guest artistic directors Alleyne Dance the acclaimed company founded by twin sisters Kristina and Sadé Alleyne. Their work blends West African, Caribbean, hip hop, Kathak and circus influences into a powerful and emotionally charged contemporary style.
For both dancers the experience has been transformative. Charlie Ratcliffe said being part of NYDC has strengthened his mindset and perseverance.
Charlie said: “All the training at House of Wingz since being little has paid off and moved me onto something that is such a good experience and opportunity and for that I am grateful. I feel proud of myself and feel that I have really achieved something by gaining a place at NYDC.”
Michael Omoruyi, said: “This experience has allowed me to think and process in very different ways as a creative which I wish to use professionally and personally.
“This is because it has further instilled ideas of resilience, drive and pushing myself past even my best self whilst still being in a supportive, warm and talented community of beautiful and diverse characters.”
Aish Bell Docherty, Artistic Director of House of Wingz, said: “We are so proud of the boys for getting into this year’s company, they have both absolutely earned their places on the programme through dedication to training from being very young.
“We hope they feel as proud of themselves as we feel of their achievements- not only because it highlights their own value and talents, but because of what this means for Blackpool.”