A YOUNG Sedbergh ballerina has been picked to perform with some of the most prestigious dancers in the profession.

Emma Packham, ten, from Sedbergh, will be watched by Cuban dancing sensation Carlos Acosta and actress Joanna Lumley when she performs in the National Youth Ballet’s production of Ship Ahoy, at the Assembly Hall Theatre, in Tunbridge Wells tonight.

Emma was picked from 800 who auditioned for the part in the Wayne Sleep choreographed production.

The Sedbergh Primary School pupil, who attends Taylor’s School of Dance, in Sedbergh, has spent two weeks training at Tringpark School of Performing Arts.

Family, friends and Carnforth ballet tutor Anne Stone will be at the theatre.

“Dancing is her huge passion, she is very excited,” said her mum, Nicola. “She just dances all the time and works very hard putting in loads of hours every week.”

On September 6 Emma will travel to Sadler’s Wells for a Gala performance.