Taunton teenager chosen to represent Somerset with national dance company

A Taunton teenager has been hand picked by the National Youth Dance Company to represent Somerset.

Georgia Johns, from Taunton, auditioned alongside hundreds of up and coming dancers across the country and eventually, after a workshop experience day and a final selection round, was selected by the NYDC.

The 18 year-old studies Dance at Bridgwater College and was one of just 30 dancers chosen by the company.

Georgia says that after finishing her course at the college she hopes to continue onto Higher Education.

"Auditioning for the National Youth Dance Company was an experience in itself and to actually have been selected to be part of the company is really exciting," she said.

"The auditions in Birmingham and London were hard work but a lot of fun, involving learning some repertoire and various other tasks.

"I'm really looking forward to starting rehearsals and working with the guest choreographer, Jasmin Vardimon. I think it's going to be a really amazing piece, I know I'll learn a lot from it and can't wait to perform it."

Amy Wigglesworth, Programme Manager of the Level 3 Dance Course at Bridgwater College said, "We are all incredibly pleased for Georgia, it is a fantastic opportunity for any young dancer.

"Georgia's talent, commitment and enthusiasm for dance makes her an ideal candidate. She is an extremely hard-working student and we are very proud that one of our dancers will be representing Somerset nationally."

The NYDC showcases top dance talent from across England and their dancers perform across the country to large audiences including the U:Dance Festival in Leeds this July.