DANCERS from Swindon will be among those donning their pointe shoes alongside professional dancers in a classic ballet.

Fifteen young dancers from Swindon have been selected to take part in an English Youth Ballet production of Coppelia, held at the Wyvern Theatre this month, one of only seven such shows in the country.

The young starlets will have the chance to rehearse with professional dancers who take the major roles.

However, of the 100 dancers chosen to participate, two Swindon dancers have scooped the most important solo roles.

Coppelia is one of the most famous and well-loved classical ballets. Is the story of Dr Coppelius who wants to bring his doll, Coppelia, to life.

Millie Ashdown, 15, of Old Town, will follow in her mother’s pointe shoes as she takes on the title role.

Mum Nicky Ashdown trained at the junior school of the Royal Ballet – White Lodge – danced in its production of Coppelia in Covent Garden aged 13 and had a short dance career.

And Stephanie Firth, 14, also of Old Town, will dance the dawn solo.

Locations for the countrywide shows are chosen annually and this year the children have been chosen from an area including North Somerset, Wiltshire and Wales. The show last came to Swindon in 2005.

The lucky 15, aged nine to 15, train at Judith Hockaday Dance and Drama School, Tanwood School For Performing Arts, Swindon Academy of Dance, Romanska School of Dance, Karen Brind Dance School, Sullivan School of Dance and Estelle School Of Dance.

“It’s hard work, but really enjoyable,” said Millie. “I love performing, it’s my favourite part of dancing.”

She practises ballet twice a week at the Judith Hockaday Dance and Drama School, but is now fitting in the 12 hours rehearsal time needed for the youth ballet performance at the weekends. Stephanie, who trains with Tanwood School For Performing Arts, said she was delighted to be picked. She said: “I just like performing on stage, it’s really fun. The dance I have to do is about two and a half minutes long and it’s quite a tiring dance on pointe. It will be very scary – I hope I don’t fall over.”

The show will have some alterations to accommodate the young dancers.

Bridget Hearne, the general manager for the English Youth Ballet, said the standard of dance in Swindon was always high and that the two solo roles in particular showed this.

She said: “They’re wearing tutus doing solo roles and they have got to be up to scratch because the people pay for tickets – it’s not just made up of parents and friends.”

The show is on Friday and Saturday, February 20 and 21, at 7.30pm with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets cost £18 and £16 with concessions available. Call the box office on 01793 524481.