A HIP hop-loving student from St Albans has helped her dance troupe get one step further to making the live finals of TV talent contest Got To Dance.

Sarah Llewelyn, of Fleetville, is one of 15 members of dance crew Collective Ent. who wowed celebrity judges with their energetic audition that was featured on the Sky 1 show on Sunday.

The group received a gold star from each of the judges, which enabled them to join the shortlist of acts that are still in with the chance of winning a £250,000 cash prize.

The Beaumont sixth form student said: “Performing for TV is an unbelievable experience.

“I didn’t feel like it really happened. When I watched it back it felt like it was someone else doing it.”

Sarah, 17, who has a dance background in musical theatre and ballet, joined Collective Ent. around a year ago after being invited along to rehearsals by a friend.

The commercial hip hop group was asked to audition for the show when a video of them performing on YouTube was spotted by a talent scout.

Commenting on their audition new Got To Dance judge Aston Merrygold of pop band JLS said: “I’ve been sitting in this chair and I’ve seen some really, really good people today but you lot topped it off. I’m just excited for you guys.

“This is the toughest bracket in this competition right now but you have moved very fast and jumped to the top of my list.”

Collective Ent. now has a nervous wait as the contestants who have been chosen to go forward to fight for the dance title will not be announced until February 3.

Sarah, who is the group’s youngest dancer, added: “It would mean so much to win; it is a life-changing amount of money and means the act can take their dancing career to wherever they want to. To even be considered is an amazing blessing.”

Series 4 of Got To Dance airs on Sky 1 HD at 6pm on Sunday.