A TALENTED troupe of Glasgow cheerleaders is set to show the Americans how it's done.

Dancers from the Samantha Brisbane School of Dance have packed their pom-poms and are flying out to Orlando, Florida.

The girls - who have been given time off from school to attend - will compete on Saturday at the Dance Worlds, run by the US All Star Federation (USASF).

More than 40 countries take part in the prestigious competition and the Samantha Brisbane team will be representing Scotland.

They earned their place in the International Open Pom and the International Open Jazz categories after successfully competing at UK events.

Teacher Samantha said: "We have won bids to compete at the Worlds in previous years but have never taken the opportunity due to the timing - a lot of our girls were sitting Highers, for example.

"But this time, when we won bids again, we just thought it was too good an opportunity to turn down.

"We approached the various schools involved and the head teachers were all delighted by this chance for our pupils. Some of them have been given authorised absence to attend as this is also a great education opportunity.

"They will meet other dancers from around the world to learn tips and techniques - and we're taking presents from Scotland to hand out when we get there too."

Dancers in the team have been rehearsing both of their two-and-a-half minute routines for the past nine months.

They dedicate around seven to eight hours of practice each week to ensure the performance is as close to perfect as they can make it.

As well as physical dedication, Samantha - and her choreographer Ashley Hesford - have ensured the girls are mentally prepared too with coaching to ensure they stay calm during what could be an overwhelming situation.

Taking place at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, a hotel at Disney World, the event brings together more than 9000 cheer and 3500 dance athletes to vie for world champion titles in senior and international club divisions and categories.

And the Samantha Brisbane troupe will open the event on Saturday morning when they perform at 8am.

Samantha, who has been teaching for 25 years, added: "The girls are incredibly dedicated and they have worked very, very hard.

"At times they have felt it to be very hard but they have all kept going - they are athletes.

"After all this preparation, now we just want it to be time to show what we can do."