A talented teenager is ready to wow audiences after being chosen to dance in the hit musical, Billy Elliot.

Gabrielle Ellis will take to the stage to open its Dublin show and has been cast as popular character Julie Hope – the friend of the lead character.

Set in the Eighties during the miners’ strikes, Billy Elliot chronicles a young boy’s journey from boxing ring to ballet class and his fight to make his dreams come true.

The 13-year-old said: “I’m really happy. My favourite dance is Solidarity (one of the show’s routines) and I’m really excited to be opening the show.”

Gabrielle, a pupil at Maidstone Grammar School for Girls, has been performing since she was two-and-a-half years old and dreams of dancing in music videos with the likes of global superstar Beyonce.

The youngster, of Ashford Road, Bearsted, has been within touching distance of the US diva after staying in a five-star hotel in Cardiff while on tour with the musical. They found out Beyonce’s crew was staying at the same time.

Another of her favourites, X Factor stars Little Mix, were also staying there.

Mum Michelle, who also has an 11-year-old son, Olly, is proud of her achievements. She said: “She is a very happy and outgoing girl and has danced ballet and tap, but her favourite is street dance.”

She also praised the Mandy Ellen Performing Arts, in Earl Street, Maidstone, where her daughter has excelled for the past five years.

Gabrielle has danced for the street dance crew Clique, who won the European IDO Championship in Rimini, Italy, in 2014, and went on to compete in the World Championships where they came third.

Michelle and her family are looking forward to seeing their dance star daughter perform and are grateful to her school in Buckland Road, Maidstone, for allowing her time away.

She said: “They have been really great. Gaby has a tutor every morning when she is on tour before she rehearses.”

The opening night in Dublin is on Tuesday, July 26. The tour will continue around the UK until March next year.