TWO schoolgirls are getting their dancing shoes on as they prepare to represent their country at an international competition.

Imogen Breaks and Molly Thorne, both 14, are finalists in the Dance World Cup final being held in Germany later this month.

The Budmouth College pupils have been training for months with choreographer Keely Shaw at June Hornby’s Dance Studio in Weymouth.

Imogen’s mum Sarah said she couldn’t be prouder of the girls.

She added: “This competition is basically the equivalent of the Olympics for dancing. It is great for them to be a part of Team England. The school has been so supportive of them both, which we are very grateful for.

“We’re just all really looking forward to it.”

The youngsters had to record an audition and judges then picked their favourites from across the country to be part of Team England. Internationally, more than 12,000 youngsters aged up to 25 audition to take part.

Imogen has been dancing since the age of three and has been performing with the Royal Ballet since the age of eight. She has recently been invited to be a senior associate with the Royal Ballet at Covent Garden.

Molly has also been dancing since a young age, and has always loved the activity.

Imogen said: "I'm really excited to be representing England with one of my best friends, we've worked really hard to get this far and we are really grateful to all our friends, family and teachers who have made this incredible journey possible."

The Dance World Cup takes place in Offenburg, Germany, with the opening ceremony in the evening of Friday, June 23 and the world finals between Saturday, June 24 and Saturday, July 1.

As expenses are not covered, the girls are fundraising to raise the £400 they need for accommodation and travel and have organised a number of events which have been well supported by friends.

The finals will be live streamed on the event’s website dwcworld.com

Sarah added: “They are just so excited about it now. They are girls who love performing, they feel quite at home on the stage.”

To donate, visit their fundraising page