A group of Merton dancers will soon take part in the 20th anniversary showcase of Swan Lake.

The performance, which will take place at the New Wimbledon Theatre, will feature 23 of the borough's best up-and-comers.

Aoife McDonnell started dancing when she was just two year old and now at the age of 16 is looking forward to showing off her talents.

"I started because there was a baby class at the local church hall and I really enjoyed it and just carried on," she said.

"I am really excited about dancing with English Youth Ballet because of the whole experience of rehearsing, meeting new people and the performances.

"In the future I would like to study dance. I think I would like to do either ballet or contemporary."

Nearly 300 young hopefuls turned up to the two auditions and Wimbledon College's Sebastian Willatgamuwa was one of the lucky few selected.

ā€œI started dancing when I was about six years old," he said.

"A ballet teacher came to my school and I thought it would be good to try it.

"I really enjoyed it so I carried on doing it. I am looking forward to dancing with English Youth Ballet because it will be a lot of fun and it will be a great new experience.

"I would like to be a doctor (maybe a heart surgeon) in the future - but Iā€™d also like to do ballet as well.ā€

The performance will take place at the theatre on August 24 and 25.