A TRIO of young dancers are a pas de bourrée closer to their stage dream after landing a place with a Royal Ballet School training scheme.

More than 1,000 people audition for the school's associate scheme each year and only 30 people are selected for the prestigious training programme.

And this year three ambitious ten-year-olds from the same Brighton-based Rox School of Dance and Drama will take part in the gruelling weekend classes.

Lucas Houghton will join Erin Parris and Isobel Sampson in the programme which sees students travel to London every Saturday for lessons. 

Erin's mum Karen, 51, of Westdene, said: "She has been dancing since she was two-and-a-half-years-old. Darcey Bussell is her idol and she has dreams of being on stage. We take her to Convent Garden every Saturday and she absolutely loves it. "She dances all day and then comes home and dances in the lounge to show us what she has learnt."

Erin said: "I love dancing because when I hear the music the whole world disappears around me and it is just the best thing. Being with the Royal Ballet is really fun, I have made lots of friends. I like classical music and I love Darcey Bussell because she is such an elegant and beautiful dancer."

Isobel's mum Clare Sampson said: "I am so very proud. Dancing is her passion and she has been doing it since the age of three. This is a very special time for her and she loves ballet, tap and modern dance."

Isobel said: "It's really exciting. When we go to London I have my hair done up in a special way in two plaits tied on the top of my head with a blue bow which makes me feel special. Dancing is my favourite thing to do, I feel I can express myself through dance. It makes me happy."

The girls are starting their second year of the course, which can cost up to £751 per year, though grants are available.

Teacher Sophie Fox, who teaches the children three times a week alongside the school's head of ballet Deborah Mercer, said: "We often have students picked for the Royal Ballet Associates but to have three at one time from the same school is really rare.

"It is a really amazing achievement, it is hard work and a lot of training but they have so much opportunity to dance and perform. They are finding it really fun, are very dedicated and have so much enthusiasm."

Factfile

THE Royal Ballet Associates programme offers classical ballet training to youngsters aged between eight and 15.

More than 1,000 people apply each year and 30 are given a place. The classes take place in London on Saturdays for up to four hours in addition to regular dance classes and are for children who aspire for a career in dance. Members of the programme may have the chance to perform with the companies as they progress through the programme.