JOINER Lee Wilthew, of Shepherd's of York, has downed his hammer and saw to become a performing dancer.

The construction firm worker was invited to don dancing shoes to join performers at Newcastle's Dance City for a performance at a topping out ceremony for the theatre space, which he has been helping to build.

Some of the Dance City's company had seen his "twinkle toes" in action at the Christmas party and judged and decided to drag him into the spotlight.

Although Shepherd's Dance City project is scheduled for completion in August, the performance marked the near-completion of the dance:lab studio theatre, which was deemed safe to accommodate the dancers.

A ten-minute rehearsal with Charlotte Grant, who is reading for a choreography degree at Dance City, and the joiner was ready to perform in front of his workmates.

Shepherd is carrying out the work on behalf of Newcastle City Council and the building has been designed by Malcom Fraser Architects.

The site is in the Grainger Town area of the city.

Updated: 14:00 Wednesday, April 13, 2005