Young dancers can take to the stage with Strictly's Pasha

Young dancers in Newark have the chance to perform alongside Strictly Come Dancing star Pasha Kovalev.

Pasha, who won the BBC show in 2014 with Caroline Flack, takes to the stage at the Palace Theatre in May and up to 40 youngsters are being sought to take part in the show.

Wildcats Theatre School is hosting an audition day at the Palace on March 5.

Students from Wildcats, based in Stamford, usually take part in Pasha’s solo tour when it comes to Peterborough.

But this year the show is coming to Newark instead, so dancers local to the town are being sought.

Caz Dolby, of Wildcats Theatre School, said: “We have worked with Pasha on two of his shows when we have provided members from our school to be part of it, but this year it isn’t coming to Peterborough but Newark instead.

“We wanted to give local children a chance to get involved with this great opportunity.

“The children don’t necessarily have to be professional, but should have some dance skills and a keen interest in taking part.”

Youngsters aged eight to 16 can attend the audition day.

Teachers from Wildcats will choose between 30 and 40 for the show.

Uptown Funk

Those selected must attend eight rehearsals ahead of Pasha’s show at the Palace on May 17.

They will learn two routines.

Caz said: “The children will go to school as normal but come straight to us after for the show, which will be held on a Wednesday.

“There will be an opportunity for the children to ask Pasha questions, have photographs with him and get his autograph or any T-shirts signed before going on stage.

“This is the first year Pasha will dance alongside the children. In the past the children have performed their own routine in between Pasha’s dances.”

Pasha and the dancers will perform a specially-choreographed version of Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars.

For more information about the audition, including times, visit the Wildcats Theatre School website or call Wildcats Theatre School on 01780 762000.