TWO Worcester dancers set the stage alight in The National Youth Ballet's The Match Girl and The Flame.

Rebekah Thawley and Natalia Abdoush competed against dancers from around the country to win places in this prestigious ballet company.

Seven hundred talented young dancers auditioned in the spring and 90 were selected for the main cast.

Rebekah, aged 13, from Hindlip, danced the role of Gypsy, and Natalia, also aged 13, from Battenhall, danced the role of Maid.

Both the girls have been dancing since they were three years old at Harlequin Stage School, in Perdiswell, Worcester.

School principal Paula Dymock described them as "outstanding pupils".

The pair are already winners of numerous national competitions and championships. They won various duets and trios at the All England finals and Natalia won gold medal in the modern dance section.

She is the current Hereford and Worcester Junior Ballet Champion.

The pair are Junior Associates of The Royal Ballet School. This means they are of such high standard they go to Birmingham every Saturday and train with the company.

"The girls are excellent all-rounders, being skilled in ballet, modern, tap and jazz. They are of a very high standard for their age," said Mrs Dymock.

The school has had three previous students in The National Youth Ballet, all of whom are now professional full-time ballet dancers.

"It is a really good step for their careers. They will be able to chose which career path they follow because they're not only excellent dancers, but fantastic at singing and cabaret work too.

"This gives them a great insight into professional work and professional theatres. It is a great experience for them and I think they both take it in their stride," said Mrs Dymock.

Other Harlequin Stage School members travelled up to the Hippodrome to see the show on Sunday.

"It was excellent - we had a really good day and the performance was wonderful," said Mrs Dymock.