A Hampshire dancer has been selected to take part in a tour with a prestigious integrated dance company.

Katy Francis, who has Down’s syndrome, is a regular at The Point’s Next Steps Dance Company and also acts and dances with Winchester’s Blue Apple Theatre.

The 25-year-old is now going on the road with Candoco Dance Company, a contemporary dance company working with disabled and non-disabled dancers She is one of 14 dancers chosen to join six of the company’s professional dancers to perform a piece by the French choreographer Jerome Bel.

The piece, The Show Must Go On, opens at Sadler’s Wells in London on March 20 before going on tour.

A delighted Katy, who has been dancing since she was three and faced a tough audition for the slot, says she’s really looking forward to the role.

“I’m looking forward to touring to places that I’ve never been to before, such as Scotland as well as performing with new people and dancing on stage at Sadler’s Wells.”

Her mum Ros said: “Next Steps has given Katy more confidence when dancing and lots of new experiences and ideas.

“She loves to dance as it makes her feel happy. She doesn’t suffer much from nerves as she has performed in front of audiences for many years now, both acting and dancing.”

Prior to the Candoco tour, Katy is completing three weeks of rehearsals in London and as well as performing at Sadler’s Wells she will perform at Nottingham Playhouse and Tramway in Glasgow.

“Katy will be the first dancer with a learning disability to work with their company. She says that she is very excited and very happy to have been chosen and looks forward to getting to know all the other dancers,” added Ros.

Vicki Hargreaves, dance development manager at The Point said: “Next Steps Dance Company supports people with learning disabilities who have a passion for dance and wish to take their training to the next level, at a more professional level.

“We are delighted that what Katy has learnt at Next Steps has helped her secure this role with Candoco and we wish her luck.”

The Show Must Go On was first performed in 2001 and has since toured to all corners of the globe and is a world-wide audience favourite, celebrating popular music and the human spirit.

To bring it to UK stages Candoco needs to raise £5,000 towards the cost of the performers’ pay, accommodation and travel.

Anyone who would like to support the company should visit justgiving.com/theshow.