MORE than 100 young dancers are preparing to stage The Nutcracker at a York theatre next weekend.

Sandra Smith, who runs the York dance school Let’s Dance, said 115 of her students, aged between five and 18, who attend lessons in Bishopthorpe, Copmanthorpe and Acomb, would take part in two shows at the Grand Opera House in Cumberland Street.

“They have been rehearsing since September,” she said.

“It’s been great fun and they can’t wait to show it to their family and friends.”

The dancers took part in a dress rehearsal at Archbishop of York Junior school in Bishopthorpe on Saturday.

Sandra said there would be a matinee performance of the Nutcracker at 2.30pm on Saturday and then another at 7.30pm, adding that there were still tickets available from the theatre booking office.