A TALENTED young dancer from Kilwinning has been selected for a place in the National Youth Dance Company of Scotland - the flagship contemporary dance company for Scotland’s exceptional young dancers.

Lauren McGowan, 19, was chosen by YDance (Scottish Youth Dance) – the national dance organisation for children and young people in Scotland – after an online audition process which saw 30 of Scotland’s most talented young dancers apply for one of 12 spaces.

Lauren started dancing when she was two years old and is studying dance at West College Scotland. This is her second year with the National Youth Dance Company of Scotland.

Lauren said:“NYDCS has benefitted my dance training as it has brought out all of my creativity which I was scared of experimenting with prior to being in the company.

“I have learned a whole new skillset and have been challenged not only as a dancer but as a person too. It’s great getting to move with such inspirational people and we become such a tight-knit group, making friends for a lifetime.”