TWO young dancers from Norton-based Dance Expression are dancing their way to success.

Emily Umpleby, aged eight, has gained a place with the Royal Ballet Junior Associate Programme where she will attend classes every Saturday in Leeds.

Lucy Walker, who runs Dance Expression with her sister Anna Wragg, said: “This is a huge achievement as classes are very small and their are hundreds and hundreds of children who audition every year.”

Lucy said that fellow pupil Jessica Huntsman, aged 12, didn’t take up her place at the prestigious Royal Ballet School as didn’t feel she was ready to leave home yet.

“She has been attending classes in Manchester every Saturday on the Royal Ballet Mid Associate Programme.

“Jessica also has won a scholarship to attend a summer school with the Royal Ballet School and a few days ago she also received a nomination to attend Manchester IDTA awards in February. These students are picked out of thousands of children.

“Here at Dance Expression we are very proud of these two students as we are proud of all our students.”