A TALENTED teenager from Torfaen has been accepted at a top vocational dance school for a classical ballet course.

Ella-Louise Appleby, 16, has been accepted to one of the UK’s most respected Dance Colleges - KS Dance, in Warrington.

The college is run by principal Kate Simmons, who has danced with many top ballet companies over the years.

Ella-Louise, from New Inn, started dancing from the age of three years at Gemini School of Dance in Griffithstown under the guidance of Principal Jacqui Everson.

She gained distinctions in all of her exams up to the vocational examinations.

Ella-Louise has been an associate dancer with Ballet Cymru for the past four years and is also a Cecchetti senior associate.

Previously, Ella-Louise was a winner of the Wales and West Cecchetti ballet awards in the junior, middle and senior categories and has danced at the Royal Ballet Covent Garden for the annual Cecchetti day of dance.

Ms Everson said: “Ella-Louise has always had a true passion for classical ballet always striving to achieve her very best, to fulfil her dream of becoming a ballerina.

“This exciting journey is just the beginning.”

The course starts this September and will run for three years and will see Ella-Louise become a professional classical ballet dancer with a teaching qualification.

Her dream is to train and experience the world of dance then return to Wales to share her passion with a new generation.

Her mum, Maria, explained that the course will cost in excess of £1000 a month for fees and living accommodation- not including essentials like food and uniform.

She said: “A pair of pointe shoes can cost up to £65 and with constant wear may only last a few weeks.

“The course is six days a week and Ella-Louise will look for part time work to support her studies, but will require a high level of funding for her to realise her dream.”

She said that the family are very grateful to Ms Everson for her constant support and belief in Ella-Louise.

Ella -Louise is currently looking for a sponsor.

For more information contact Ms Everson on Jacqui@geminischoolofdance.co.uk