THE sky's the limit for a distinguished young dancer who has been chosen to star in the biggest touring convention in the UK.

Twinkle-toed performer Skye Leith saw off competition from hundreds of other dancers from across the country to successfully gain a place in the prestigious Can You Dance? Dance Star 2020 convention.

The talented 11-year-old, who is in P7 at Kilmacolm Primary, is now looking forward to working alongside international choreographers at events up and down the country, concluding with a performance at Liverpool's huge M&S Bank Arena in front of thousands of people in October.

She will also perform when the convention comes to Glasgow's SEC on March 29.

Skye said: "It's really exciting as I'll get to meet people from around the world.

"I love to dance - it makes me feel free."

Skye was selected by a panel of leading experts including Can You Dance? directors Matt Flint, a creative director and choreographer for TV, film and theatre and Tom Shilcock, a professional dancer and choreographer.

Skye's mum Joanne says she is 'so proud' of her daughter.

She said: "Can You Dance? is one of the biggest dance conventions in the UK.

"It tours round 12 different places in the UK and they host intense dance courses every year so Skye will meet other young dancers and also professional dancers and choreographers.

"She will get to be part of the company and will have the chance to rehearse and learn routines with the choreographers."

Skye started gymnastics when she was just two years old but her life changed forever when she took up dancing.

Joanne said: "When Skye was little she was so shy.

"She really struggled at school and wouldn't speak at all.

"Me and her dad started to take her to different groups.

"She started at dance school and took up ballet - she has a natural talent for it.

"Dance has really helped her confidence."

Joanne said Skye's love of dancing helped her to make friends when the family moved from Sunderland to Kilmacolm a year ago.

She said: "She's settled in so well."

This year Skye will also be representing Scotland in the Dance World Cup 2020 in Rome with her dance school.

Skye said: "I'm really excited about it, this is the first time I've competed abroad."

Looking to the future, Skye would love a career on the stage.

She said: "My dream would be to dance in Cirque du Soleil."