Young ballerinas picked to star in stage musical

Mara Matuit (5), Grace Beatty (5) and Anya Bourke Mullaney (8) will dance on stage in the Bord Gais Energy Theatre today.

The three talented Dublin ballerinas were handpicked out of the Independent Theatre Workshop to join the musical's cast, which runs until Sunday.

Grace's mother Cliona from Clonskeagh told the Herald this is Grace's second year in ballet class, and now she's landed herself an appearance on a top stage.

"It's a lovely thing for young girls to do. It teaches them poise and discipline, and they love the tutus; it's nice for them."

Anya's mum Anne-Marie from Mount Merrion said: "The excitement is beyond belief. Anya's sister Inga (13) has been chosen for the Irish National Youth Ballet so Anya has always had someone to look up to and to follow."

hnews@herald.ie