A schoolboy from Pitstone has been chosen to perform in Swan Lake with the English National Ballet.

Ted Harper, who is just 13, will take to the stage at the Royal Albert Hall for just under two weeks from tomorrow, June 1.

Sounding wiser than his years, Ted says: “I enjoy ballet because of the discipline it brings. I can channel all of my emotions into my performance.

“Performing classical ballet accompanied by a live orchestra is just an amazing experience.”

He adds: “I am excited and a little nervous, but I feel very honoured to perform with such a great ballet company.”

Ted will be performing alongside dancers from the English National Ballet in the critically acclaimed production, choreographed by Derek Deane, former artistic director of the English National Ballet and set to Tchaikovsky’s memorable score, played by the English National Ballet Philharmonic.

Director of dance Rachel Rist says: “Ted is an extraordinary young dancer, and the fact that he has been chosen to dance with the English National Ballet in this spectacular adaptation of Swan Lake in the Royal Albert Hall, the most iconic of venues, is recognition of what an excellent dancer he is, who is dedicated to being a truly brilliant performer.”

Tring Park School for the Performing Arts has long been the favourite for budding dancers, singers and thespians, boasting a star-studded recent alumni including Daisy Ridley of Star Wars: The Force Awakens; Lily James of Pride and Prejudice and Disney’s Cinderella, Ella Henderson of The X Factor and Jessica Findlay-Brown of Downton Abbey.

Ted was awarded a Music and Dance Scheme scholarship to attend the junior dance course at the school and is one of 13 dancers from the school who will be taking to the stage in the Swan Lake in-the-round performance.

Royal Albert Hall, Imperial College Road, Kensington, London, SW7 2AP, Wednesday, June 1 until Sunday, June 12. Details: 020 7838 3100