Vancouver hopefuls look to impress at Royal Winnipeg Ballet auditions

The Royal Winnipeg Ballet was in Vancouver this weekend holding auditions for its prestigious school and while hundreds of dancers across the country put their best foot forward for the company, only a few are chosen.

Dozens of young dancers showed up to audition in Vancouver. Among them was 12-year-old Ella Patterson.

"I've dreamed of it since I was a little girl. It's everything I ever wanted," Paterson said.

"I never wanted to play soccer or other sports. I just love ballet so much."

It takes years of training to become a professional ballerina and dancers must audition just to get into the RWB program.

RWB faculty member Joanne Gingras says the process is competitive. 

"We might audition over 500 students across the country and we may select just a hundred or so — it's tough."

But the competition doesn't scare aspiring dancers who showed up for the Vancouver auditions.

Madeline Simpson, 12, was one of many girls auditioning at the Scotiabank Dance Centre Sunday morning. 

"I can't think of doing anything else, I just love it so much," she said.

Gingras said the school accepts students as young as Grade 6 and up to Grade 12.

Only one in five of those who audition will be accepted to a one-month summer session. 

Then only a few will be chosen to attend the school full-time.