TWO talented young dancers from Renfrewshire have been selected for a place in the National Youth Dance Company of Scotland (NYDCS).

Paisley teenagers Morgan Fehlberg and Sophie Morrison were chosen by YDance – the national dance organisation for children and young people in Scotland – after an online audition process which saw 30 of Scotland’s most talented young dancers apply for one of 12 spaces.

Morgan first started dancing when she was 10 years old and is studying dance at Glasgow Clyde College.

The 19-year-old told The Gazette: "My audition was very different to how I ever imagined it. As it was through Zoom it was a completely different experience from a normal audition. 

"Having known people who were previous members of NYDCS I have seen their growth and how this opportunity helped to develop their overall dancing ability and creative mind and I wanted to explore that too.”

Sophie started dancing when she was ten years old and is studying dance at West College Scotland.

The 17-year-old said: "I have known people who have been part of the company previously and decided it was something I really wanted to do. 

"I think I will enjoy the experience and it will challenge me in new ways. I’m excited to meet new people through the company and push myself to be as creative as I can."

Launched in 2012 by YDance, the NYDCS work with artistic director Anna Kenrick to develop their technical, creative and performance skills through a series of creation intensive weekends and national and international performance opportunities.

Morgan and Sophie will now join 10 other dancers to work with Anna Kenrick over the coming months. Sessions will initially take place online and follow official COVID-19 guidelines.