GLASGOW'S young dance stars are set to shine as they prepare for their annual talent competition.

Pupils at the Dance School of Scotland at Knightswood are in the final stages of rehearsing their own roles in a hotly contested dance battle.

A total of 25 groups from the prestigious dance school have been whittled down to a final nine. They will compete at the city's Mitchell Theatre by performing dances they have choreographed.

Kenny Burke, artistic director of dance at the school, said: "The students have to choreograph their pieces in their own time so they are fighting over studio space and working on their pieces - it gets very competitive.

"This section is performed in costume so we let them loose in the costume department.

"It should be a very interesting night and a great night for anyone interested in the work of the school."

Students from first year to sixth year will compete.

The judging panel consists of Christopher Hampson, the artistic director of Scottish Ballet; Sybil Simpson, former headteacher of Knightswood; and Lorna Scott, a former pupil and Scottish Ballet star.

Youngsters, who train in ballet and modern dance as part of the school curriculum, have been rehearsing their pieces since last year.

The show, at the Mitchell Theatre tomorrow at 7pm, will kick off with a performance by the whole school.

The nine shortlisted groups will then take to the stage in a bid to impress the judges.

Kenny added: "The pupils have been working very hard on their performances and they take the competition very seriously.

"This really gives them the chance to show off their talents and be very creative - it promises to be a great night."

Tickets for the show are available from Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.