A YOUNG dancer from Hoyland Common has been given one of the pivotal roles in the English Youth Ballet's Coppelia. Georgina Leatherland, 12, is busy rehearsing for three performances at Preston's Charter Theatre in March. She competed against more than 150 hopefuls in the 12 to 18 age group to win the part, her first in a professional production Georgina, of Pendlebury Grove, trains most nights at the Pickering Academy and spends weekends in Leeds with the Royal Ballet School and the Northern Ballet Theatre. She began dancing aged six and is also proficient in tap and other classical disciplines. Dad Chris said: “She's 100 per cent dedicated, it’s something she wants to pursue as far as possible. She attends Sheffield Girls High School which has been very supportive of what she does.” Georgina’s family are eagerly anticipating her debut stage appearance. Chris added: “We've seen her in competitions but this is different. She has an excellent part, one of only eight key roles and we are really looking forward to watching her.” During the run up to Coppelia Georgina is spending six hours at a time with choreographers from London, who aim to make the most of her talent and provide an insight into the world of ballet.