A YOUNG dancer is taking to the stage with a prestigious national ballet company.

Talented Sophie Halliday, aged 13, will perform The Nutcracker with the English Youth Ballet at the Grand Theatre in Wolverhampton next month.

The teenager, who trains with Worcester’s Academy Dance and also has a flair for modern and tap dance, was one of 100 performers hand-picked to star in the show.

“It’s the biggest thing she’s ever been in,” said Sophie’s proud mother Cathy Halliday, of Besford, near Pershore.

“She’s used to performing because Academy Dance do quite a few competitions, but this is special.” Sophie, who attends the King’s School, Worcester, started dancing when she was five years old and is now at grade eight – one of the highest possible.

She impressed judges at English Youth Ballet earlier this year when she attended an over-subscribed audition.

“A senior girl at Academy Dance had worked with the company before and suggested that Sophie should have a go,” said Mrs Halliday.

“We auditioned back in February, which feels like a very long time ago, and the rehearsals start next week. She’s very excited.”

For six hours a day, Sophie and other young ballerinas, aged between eight and 18, will work with senior choreographer Dominic Marshall and the company’s principal dancers to create pieces that highlight the children’s talents.Their production of The Nutcracker will be a colourful interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s popular ballet, which tells the story of a little girl, Clara, whose toy nutcracker comes to life. The show’s most famous number is the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.

It runs at the Grand Theatre from Friday, September 19 to Saturday, September 20. For tickets, call the box office on 01902 429212.