SEVENTEEN young dancers are rehearsing to perform in London’s West End.

The 16 girls and one boy from Ruth Lord’s School of Dance will strut their stuff in the Young Performers’ Variety Show, at Shaftesbury Avenue Theatre, on Sunday, December 12.

Aged seven to 21, the dancers will perform two streetdancestyle routines, to music by Tinie Tempah. They will join hundreds of other youngsters from 20 dance schools across the country.

Ruth Lord, who founded the Durham-based dance school which bears her name nearly a decade ago, said: “We’re really pleased to be chosen.”

Dancer Sophie Punshon, 14, said: “I’m excited. I’ve been dancing since I was five, but this will be my first time dancing in London.

“I’ve got my mam and dad coming down to watch. The rehearsals are going really well.”

Ms Lord, who recently passed her latest dance teacher qualification with 95 per cent, runs classes in Durham, Meadowfield and Fencehouses. For more information, call 07875-500090.