Two Alton students could be making the leap to the big time after landing a place on a national ballet production.

It’s nearly showtime for Millie Burke and Jessica Gillingham as they’re taking to the stage with the English Youth Ballet this Friday.

The 15-year-olds impressed in a “hugely competitive” audition process to secure a place in the 90-strong EYB production of Sleeping Beauty.

The Amery Hill students are currently experiencing the life of a professional dancer in rehearsals ahead of the premiere at the High Wycombe Swan Theatre.

The pair – who are both students of the Vanessa Golborn School of Dance on Chawton Park Road – are “super excited” to perform alongside international professional dancers during the two-night run in the Buckinghamshire town.

The group’s principal, Ann Wall, believes dancing with EYB is an experience that will stay with the pair forever with the show offering them an insight into the world of professional ballet.