AP PHOTOS: Germany Young Ensemble

BERLIN (AP) — Hoping to demonstrate their posture, agility and strength, a handful of boys and more than 120 girls between ages 7 and 9 tried out for the Young Ensemble of Berlin’s Friedrichstadt-Palast theatre in February.

Hundreds of children apply every year for only 20-30 spots in the theater’s renowned Young Ensemble.

Overall, some 250 children, ages 7 through 16, attend the school at any one time.

The ensemble provides year-round theatre training for children. All children receive two years of basic training in classic dance, drama and jazz, after which they may — depending on their talents — specialize in solo acting, singing, solo singing, acrobatics, hip hop or street dance.

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Here is a gallery of images from Germany Young Ensemble.

AP PHOTOS: Germany Young Ensemble