Among them is 16-year-old Sophie Griffin, (pictured) of Halifax, who was chosen for one of the leading roles, Clara.

The English Youth Ballet will make its first visit to the Victoria Theatre this week.

At auditions in March, 100 children, including 18 from Calderdale dance schools, were cast in the production.

They have been coached by professional dancers and choreographers at Brooksbank School, Elland, every weekend.

Sophie starts at the Northern Ballet School, Manchester, on a three-year scholarship in September.

The Nutcracker tells the story of her dream of the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Nutcracker Prince.

The English Youth Ballet is a nationally acclaimed professional company with a reputation for bringing ballet to a wider audience.

Performances take place tomorrow and Saturday.

Other dancers chosen to perform include: Grace Whittaker, eight, of Whiteley's Academy of Performing Arts; Ellie Wilson, 10, of Strickland Cook Theatre School; Emily Blowers, 10, Whiteley's Academy; Josef Jagger, nine, of Jane Elizabeth School of Ballet; Zoe Finelli, 11, Strickland Cook; Stephanie Murphy, nine, Jane Elizabeth School; Chloe Byrnes, 12, Strickland Cook; Samara Clarke, nine, Whiteley's Academy; Reay Clarke, 13, Whiteley's Academy; Lauren Gordon, 14, of Spotlight Stage School and Dorothy Stevens School of Dance; Molly Greenwood, 10, of Abigail Warburton Stage School; Georgie Conway, 13, Jane Elizabeth School; Sophie Griffin, 16, from Whiteley's Academy; Megan Hampshire, 10, of Helen Wilman School of Dance; Rebecca Corina, 11, Whiteley's Academy; Gerard White, nine, Jane Elizabeth School; Ellen Pinder, 13, Jane Elizabeth School; Eve Collett, 12, Jane Elizabeth School.