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After Monday night's performance of English National Ballet's "The Rite of Spring", where Sarah McIlroy gave an outstanding performance as the Chosen One, as we were exiting the theatre there were lots of cheers and whoops from behind the curtain.

Tonight I was told, for publication by a senior Company representative, that the elation was for Sarah McIlroy's on-stage promotion to Principal. However, it was not a spontaneous decision after her brilliant interpretation of this demanding role, but the result of careful consideration of a fine dancer who, I was told, also sets an outstanding example of discipline and professionalism to younger members in the Company.

Congratulations Sarah, a richly deserved honour and we all look forward to your roles as a Principal.

<small>[ 12-14-2002, 04:22: Message edited by: Stuart Sweeney ]</small>

ENB has just issued a press release confirming Sarah's promtion to Principal Dancer:

Artistic Director, Matz Skoog, informed Sarah of his decision to promote her following her performance of The Chosen One in Kenneth MacMillan's modern classic 'The Rite of Spring' at the London Colisuem on Monday night (9 December).

The promotion is a timely celebration of Sarah's tenth anniversary with ENB.

Matz Skoog said:

"Sarah is a remarkable talent and her intelligent interpretation of The Chosen One this season has left me in no doubt that she should become the Company's own 'home-grown' Principal Dancer. Throughout her career with the Company, Sarah has always demonstrated an abundance of additional gifts and qualities that qualify her well for the responsibility of being a Principal Dancer: her professionalism, intelligence and attitude to her work are a daily example to the younger dancers of the Company. I very much look forward to the development of this wonderful artist into the future."

Born in Harlow, Essex in 1974 Sarah trained at Harlow Ballet School and The Royal Ballet Upper School, joining ENB in 1992, her first Company. She has danced many major roles in the Company's repertoire and has had several roles created especially for her.

ENB's founder and president, 92-year old Dame Alicia Markova, became the Company's first British-born Principal Dancer in 1950. Sarah follows in the wake of several other British ballerinas who became Principal Dancers with the Company, notably Belinda Wright, Anita Landa, maina Gielgud, Carole Hill, Patricia Ruanne, Andria Hall and most recently Josephine Jewkes (1992-1996).

This Season, Sarah McIlroy continues to dance the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy at selected performances of 'The Nutcracker' at the London coliseum until 4 January 2003.