First look as top ballerina tries out Alton Towers' record-breaking new ride
A top ballerina has become the first person to experience Alton Towers' new ride.
Karla Doorbar, a soloist with the Birmingham Royal Ballet, was chosen to test the record-breaking ride, Toxicator, before its official opening on March 15.
The ride is the only topspin attraction of its kind in the UK, putting thrill-seekers through 'extreme spin patterns and intense centrifugal forces'.
Ms Doorbar, who estimates she has completed 'nearly half a million' pirouettes in her career, was selected to test the ride due to her expertise in mastering spins.
Karla as Cinderella and Lachlan Monaghan as the Prince (Image: Johan Persson)
The mother-of-one said: "Throughout my training and career, I've devoted countless hours to perfecting the pirouette - whether performing on world-renowned stages or in the studio.
"It has taken immense levels of focus over many years to develop the strength and power that this entails.
"So when Alton Towers invited me to be the first to take on the unrivalled spinning power of Toxicator, I jumped at the chance.
"Riding it is an incredible experience and will give riders an unrivalled sense of the intense power of spin."
The 32-year-old, who grew up in Stoke-on-Trent, has a lifelong love for Alton Towers Resort and is looking forward to future visits with her 10-month-old daughter.
Karla enrolled at The Royal Ballet School in London at the age of 11 (Image: Alton Towers)
Bianca Sammut, vice president of Alton Towers Resort, said: "Toxicator is the latest example of how Alton Towers continues to set new standards for heart-pounding attractions.
"As one of Britain's most accomplished ballerinas, there are few people who know more about spins and pirouettes than Karla - which is why we are so delighted that she is amongst the first to experience the head-spinning thrills of Toxicator."
The ride will officially open on March 15, with guests able to experience it for the first time in the dark as part of the Alton After Dark event.
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