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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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Ciara Needham from Killaloe, Clare, has been selected for the prestigious Irish National Youth Ballet, performing in The Nutcracker. Photo credit - Justin Farrelly
The Banner county is celebrating as Ciara Needham from Killaloe has been selected to join the Irish National Youth Ballet (INYB), the premier youth ballet company in Ireland.
Ciara will represent Clare in The Nutcracker, part of INYB’s 30th anniversary performances this December.
She trains locally under Sophie Bailey at Turning Pointe Ballet School, and is the youngest dancer in INYB’s Senior Company this year.
She also travels the furthest distance to Dublin each week for rehearsals—a testament to her commitment and passion for ballet.
Ciara will perform in The Nutcracker in the roles of Flowers, Snow, and Reed Flutes. Lindsay Ashe-Browne, Artistic Director of INYB, commended Ciara’s dedication: “To be selected for INYB is an incredible achievement, and Ciara’s perseverance and talent shine through.
"Our dancers undergo a competitive audition process, and Ciara has truly earned her place among the best young dancers in Ireland.”
Funded by the Arts Council, INYB provides an exceptional platform for young dancers, offering them the opportunity to train with internationally acclaimed teachers and perform in semi-professional productions.
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Many former members have gone on to professional ballet careers, and this opportunity gives Ciara a strong foundation for her future in dance.
The Clare community is invited to support Ciara as she takes the stage at the Samuel Beckett Theatre in December.
The Nutcracker will be the highlight of INYB’s 30th-anniversary celebrations, with performances running from Friday, December 6th, to Sunday, December 8th, including matinee and evening shows.
This is a proud moment for Clare—a celebration of local talent and the cultural contributions our community brings to the national stage.
Performance Schedule
Friday, December 6: 12pm Matinee | 7:30pm Evening Show
Saturday, December 7: 2pm Matinee | 7:30pm Evening Show
Sunday, December 8: 1pm Matinee | 6pm Evening Show
Book your tickets on the INYB Website
Read more Arts & Entertainment at Clare Live
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