YOUNG Bolton dancers were on their toes for invitations to appear on stage alongside some of Europe's foremost ballet stars.

And tonight, the youngsters from the Frances Bleasdale School of Dancing, off St George's Road, Bolton, will find themselves in the spotlight.

The school has provided 12 dancers -- one boy and 11 girls -- to appear on stage with the European Ballet who are performing Coppelia at the Albert Halls in Bolton.

The London based company boasts first-class international dancers led by principal of the Bolshoi Ballet, Stanislav Tchassov.

Wendy Gavin, one of the partners at the school, said: "This company has approached us on previous occasions and we are very pleased to be asked again.

"It is a great opportunity for the children because they get the chance to perform on stage with quite a prestigious company."

The ballet (starts 7.30) is set to the score by Leo Delibes. It tells the story of Franz, a young man who falls in love with a beautiful doll whom he thinks is alive.

The production is full of humour and exciting Hungarian dances such as Czardas and Mazurka. The show also boasts exquisite sets and costumes. Tickets range from £10 to £15.

The ballet launches the start of a dance season at the Albert Halls this autumn. On October 13 there is a Saturday morning workshop for seven to 11-year-olds, called Funky Feet, when youngsters will get to try out dance routines from films such as Fame and Saturday Night Fever.

At half term there is a Moods and Melodies from India event hosted by the Annapurna Dance Company.

This Yorkshire-based company mixes classical and folk dance from India and will take the audience on a magical journey using movement and storytelling. Annapurna Dance can be seen on Monday, October 22 at 7.30. Tickets are £5.

An afternoon workshop will be led by Shantha Rao of Annapurna Dance, aimed at girls aged from seven to 16 at a cost of £3.

Ballet returns to the Albert Halls on Tuesday, November 6, 7.30, with a reworking of Romeo and Juliet. Independent Ballet Wales will be performing. Tickets range from £9 to £12.

The dance season draws to a close with a final Saturday morning dance workshop for seven to 11-year-olds. This time children can invent their own routines to the latest sounds in an event called Cool Moves. Tickets for all the dance workshops are £3.

All tickets from the Albert Halls Ticket Centre, (01204) 334400.