A GROUP of local dancers saw their Disney dreams come true as they sparkled in front of thousands in the Magic Kingdom.

Ten performers with Centre Stage Performing Arts, who are based in Crossgates and also run classes in Kelty, travelled to Florida to take part in the 'Dance the World' convention at the famous Walt Disney World resort.

The group, led by principal teacher Louise Ferrier, joined 13,000 dancers from across the globe in wowing visitors with their routines and were the first from Scotland to take part.

After 18 months of fundraising, which included donations from the Carnegie Dunfermline Trust and Dundas Homes, putting together their own performance and learning a choreographed routine as part of a parade in the Magic Kingdom, the group, ranging in age from 7-15, enjoyed their chance to shine last month.

Louise, who launched Centre Stage seven years ago, took another group of dancers to Disneyland Paris in May to perform, and explained: "It was definitely a dream come true for the kids and myself.

"I'm a massive Disney fanatic and it was always a dream to take some of my kids to dance in the Magic Kingdom. We are the first group from Scotland to go to the Dance the World convention, and we had 18 months of fundraising and to compile our show.

"We also had to learn the parade dance, so a lot of work went in on the dance side. The kids were out there representing Scotland and, for the show in Epcot (theme park) that we produced, our finale was the Proclaimers!

"They also had a masterclass with Emma Slater and Sasha Fabio, from Dancing with the Stars, and on the last night all the dancers and families had a gala dinner.

"When they brought all the kids out at the start of the parade, and the music started, my heart was filled with joy. They performed their hearts out.

"I'm still buzzing about it now!"

Louise added: "They treated them (the dancers) as cast members and professional dancers. There were 100,000 people in the Magic Kingdom stopping and watching; they've grown as humans and as dancers.

"The whole thing was an incredible experience, and a once in a lifetime opportunity for them.

"I'm so proud of them and just want to thank everyone for their support. We need the support of the parents, families and the public."

Centre Stage are holding new auditions until the end of August, and anyone interested should visit www.centrestageperformingarts.com, or find them on Facebook, for more information.