THE fairytale dreams of three Colchester dancers have become a reality.

Sisters Bethany and Sophie Pike, along with Tiffany Smith, have earned places with the National Youth Ballet of Great Britain.

Bethany, 16, will be taking centre stage as Cinderella, in a production choreographed by Wayne Sleep.

She said: “It was a complete surprise. It was amazing and I couldn’t believe it when I found out.”

It was during a production of Cinderella five years ago Bethany realised she wanted to dance seriously.

“I was a page in a production at the Royal Ballet, in London’s Covent Garden.

“I was looking up at the principal dancers and I remember I thought ‘this is what I want to do’.

“Whenever I watch other productions, I get that butterfly feeling. It just makes me happy.”

Bethany and 12-year-old Sophie’s mum Ros, of Mile End, said: “They’ve been dancing since they were tiny and they seem to really love it.

“I always try to go and see everything they do twice, because the first time I can’t take my eyes off the girls. It’s only on the second time around I can really enjoy it.”

The sisters are members of the Mercury Theatre Youth Group and have performed in its annual pantomime for several years.

Both have performed with professional dancers and last year Sophie appeared in a production of Joseph in London’s West End.

Bethany said having Sophie with her this year would be an added bonus.

“We get along really well, so it’ll be really nice having her there,” she said.

It is the second time Tiffany Smith, 12, of Hazel Avenue, has been chosen to perform with the National Youth Ballet. The trio beat 700 hopefuls for a place in the final line-up. The programme of six ballet pieces will be performed in Tunbridge Wells and Sadler’s Wells from August 27 until September 6.

Jill Tookey, founder and artistic director of National Youth Ballet, said: “This is a huge and exciting opportunity for young dancers.

“The main thing our dancers gain is the experience of working in a team. From the beginning they are treated like professionals and are part of a company.”