THE DREAMS of a gifted young dancer have become reality after she was picked for a place on the cast of a popular Christmas stageshow.

Wanstead High School pupil Leydia Bhugon, 15, was selected from hundreds of hopefuls to appear in a special dance version of The Pied Piper at the Barbican.

The Year 10 teenager won a coveted place on the show after catching the eye of judges during a series of special dance workshops held at the school in Redbridge Lane West by production company Boy Blue Entertainment.

She was then asked to attend two rounds of auditions before eventually being selected as one of 60 youngsters to play 'The Children of Hamelyn' in the show.

Leydia said: "I am really excited about performing with Boy Blue at the Barbican. I was pleased to get the part with so many people at the auditions.

"The rehearsals are very hard work but I am finding it all to be an exciting experience."

Tracey Phillipson, performing arts co-ordinator at Wanstead High, said: "We were very pleased to hear that Leydia made it through and is now busy rehearsing for the show.

"During the week Leydia attends rehearsal in Stratford, developing some of the movements used by the young cast to portray different animal characteristics, with Leydia’s group working as Tigers.

"Then each Saturday she is at the Barbican for a three and a half hour rehearsal with the rest of the team."

The teenager hopes to perform at a special schools’ matinee at the Barbican on December 16 and in other performances during the show's run, from December 10 until January 3.

For more information visit: barbican.org.uk