A YOUNGSTER is dancing on air after she was chosen as one of 20 dancers due to star with the Russian Kirov Ballet at the Royal Opera House.

Laura Willey, 12, from The Crescent, Totteridge, High Wycombe, started dancing with the Royal Ballet in September last year and has now been chosen to dance with the Russian equivalent for six performances.

The ballet company is performing Sleeping Beauty at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden from June 12.

Laura, who is a pupil at Holmer Green Upper School, Parish Piece, Holmer Green, has been dancing since the age of four. She will be one of the stars of the Corps de Ballet.

Proud mum Sarah said: "She is really looking forward to being able to dance with a company like that.

"She is really pleased with herself that she has got a part and will be able to perform with them."