Grand homecoming for ballet star Hannah (From Thurrock Gazette)

Grand homecoming for ballet star Hannah

7:20am Friday 15th February 2013 in News

A PROFESSIONAL ballet dancer has returned to the school where it all started for her.

Hannah Carter, now 21, started dancing at the Celebration Theatre School in Grays at the age of eight.

She returned to the school recently to run a ballet technique workshop for current students and proved an inspirational hit with the aspiring dancers.

Following her time at the Celebration school, Hannah, from Orsett, was accepted into Elmhurst School for Dance, which is a boarding school that specialises in ballet.

At the age of 11, she joined the Royal Ballet Upper School in London to train for a career in classical ballet.

During her time there, Hannah was chosen to perform with the Royal Ballet Company, starring in productions of La Bayadere, the Nutcracker, Gisell and Sleeping Beauty.

After graduating, Hannah was offered a corps de ballet contract with Estonia Ballet Company and then went on to accept a place with the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre in the USA.

Throughout March, April and May, the talented dancer will be performing in Ugly Duckling at venues across northern England with the Northern Ballet.

Later in the year, Hannah will also be featuring in a production of Swan Lake with the English National Ballet company.

Rachel Gormer, Hannah’s first ballet teacher, invited her back to spend time with the students who are aged between five and 12.

After the workshop, in which Hannah demonstrated some routines and techniques, she answered questions from the pupils about her time at the Celebration school, about boarding at the presigious ballet schools and about her career so far.

Ms Gormer said: “I am so proud of Hannah and her achievements. The workshop was really inspiring.”