A SCHOOLBOY from Chalkwell will be showing off his skills at the world cup.

But this isn’t the international football event in Russia but the 2018 Dance World Cup in Spain.

Luca Mollica, aged 11, has beaten thousands of entrants across the UK and been selected to represent England at one of the world’s largest international dance competitions.

Dancers from 54 countries will be competing in a range of classes, including ballet, hip hop and street dance, jazz, modern and tap.

Luca said: “I am so excited and can’t wait to dance.

“I have been practising hard and even had Jamie Bond, the ex-principal of the Birmingham Royal Ballet company help me with my routines.

“My school friends can’t wait to see me on the live stream and I really hope to bring home a medal for Team England.”

Luca, who trains at the Joanne Bond School of Classical Ballet, in Rayleigh, has already performed this year for the Royal Ballet Company at the Royal Opera House and at the Royal Albert Hall for the Birmingham Royal Ballet Company.

He has also been chosen to attend the prestigious Mid Associates programme at the Royal Ballet School over the summer.

The competition, having been hosted over previous years in different countries, for 2018 is being held in the picturesque city of Sitges, Spain, from June 22 to 30.

Principal Joanne Bond, said: “What an honour this is for Luca to be representing his country.

“I am incredibly proud of Luca.

“He has had such a fantastic year.

“I can’t wait to see him perform.”

Luca has previously performed at Cliffs Pavilion in performances of Cinderella and Peter Pan.

You can watch a live stream of the competition at http://wow.dwcworld.com/watch-live-now and cheer Lucas on.