A WORCESTER schoolgirl is dancing her way to fame after landing a role in the National Youth Ballet production of Hansel and Gretel.

India Rex will be dancing the role of a star in the innovative show, the highlight of which is a glittering gala performance at Sadlers Wells.

Fifteen-year-old India, who has been dancing since she was five, says the opportunity to perform at the world-renowned theatre makes all her hard work worthwhile.

"I am absolutely delighted to have won the role and I have now realised my lifetime's ambition," said India, a pupil at Worcester's Alice Ottley School.

"Although I spend all my spare time practising this makes it all worthwhile."

India will also take centre stage at the Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, on Sunday, October 14 - the first National Youth Ballet's performance in the Midlands.

She then travels to the Ashcroft Theatre in Croydon from Thursday, October 25 to Saturday, October 27 before the tour culminates at Sadlers Wells on Tuesday, October 30.

Important

India is a pupil at Harlequin Stage School, based at Perdiswell, Worcester, and has already had a starring role in Birmingham Royal Ballet's production of The Nutcracker.

Although she has danced at Sadlers Wells in the All-England finals, her teacher Paula Dymock says this is set to be her most important performance.

"India is an outstanding pupil with her very own style," said Paula.

India's mother, Beverley, said the whole family was extremely proud of her.

"I have no idea where she gets her talent from but she just loves to dance," said Mrs Rex.

"She has made a lot of sacrifices and has had to give up all her sport to make time for her dancing.

" India was county high jump and pentathlon champion and loved playing team sports for the school."

Although India hasn't ruled out a career as a ballerina, she says a lifetime in the theatre definitely beckons.