A dance academy for Billy Elliot wannabes is being launched in Preston.

Imagine! Productions, which has rehearsals at the Carey Centre, Pole Street, is building on the success of its musical theatre academies for children and adults.

Andy Vitolo, artistic director, said the new dance academy will cater for up to 60 children and aims to offer more than just simple dance lessons.

"Dance is like any other form of acting, a lot of people don't get that or are not taught that," he said. "The academy will not just offer a series of dance classes, we will be developing skills and learning how to apply them in performance."

He said yoga and pilates would be taught alongside traditional dance forms like ballet and tap.

Mr Vitolo said places would be allocated on a first-come first-served basis and no formal auditions would be held.

"I don't believe that people can't do things, particularly children. Every child we have had at the academy has bloomed and become more confident," he added.

Karen Ross, main dance tutor, said it is absolutely essential that children are encouraged to appreciate all dance forms and work with up-to-date artistic concepts.

She added: "Both Andy and I discuss work from all major choreographers across the globe and students will learn to appreciate exactly what is going on today that makes theatre so exciting."

Imagine! was set up three years ago and performs eight musicals each year. Mr Vitolo said pupils would be given a chance to perform in these productions with a West End orchestra. The company has already secured major parts in West End musicals for its pupils. Imagine! student Matthew Koon, 11, of Manchester, will take up the lead role of Billy Elliot in the West End show in a couple of month's time.

The academy is open to children aged 6 to 16. For details, visit www.imaginemt.co.uk or call Mr Vitolo on 0794 760 7762.