This year we will premiere Rainbow Bear. Based on Michael Morpurgo’s children’s book Rainbow Bear it is narrated by Joanna Lumley.

My first rehearsal was very nerve-racking but exciting. I was greeted by a friendly houseparent and a few friends who were with NYB last year. While waiting we watched in awe as a boy (the Rainbow Bear) leapt around the room with an amazing bear mask on.

Jo Meredith our teacher divided us up into groups and got us to do some fishy moves. We were then led to a room of colourful costumes and fitted into shimmery fish suits with headdresses on which reminded me of a mohican! Afterwards we wandered into a airy room and did some fun poses while the cameras from a newspaper flashed at us.

I also got chosen to be an icicle. It was very interesting. At the rehearsal we were given moves, such as an arabesque, which we would use to choreograph ourselves into a dance! Our group were spinning with creative ideas but we found that joining one move to the next was quite a task!

Overall the first rehearsal was hard work but really enjoyable and I can’t wait till the summer school rehearsals begin.

The National Youth Ballet will be performing in Kent from 26 August and at the London Palladium on 5 September. Visit www.nyb.org.uk for more details.