A PROMISING ballet talent from Greenbank has gained a place at a prestigious school to further her dance career.

Seventeen-year-old Alexandra de la Bastide will start at London’s Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance in September, having honed her skills at Kinder-Berry School of Dance in Northwich.

UCAN student Alexandra had auditioned in 2017 just three years into her ballet career, but was advised to train for another year and re-apply.

This year, she was successful and will now study for a degree in ballet and contemporary dance.

Teacher Wanda Kinder-Berry said: "Alexandra is an amazing dancer and she will be truly inspirational in the future. It has been a privilege to help her achieve her dream."

Alex’s experience in ballet began at the Lowry Centre for Advance Training, recommended to her by her dance tutor at UCAN.

Her mum, Mylin, said winning this place – one of just 35 places from a pool of 400 auditions – was a dream come true for Alex after making the transition from disco freestyle.

She said: “I am immensely proud of Alex’s dedication towards her passion.

“Although she’s moving to London at 17 and I’ll miss her dearly, I am so glad that she’s been given the opportunity to train at such an amazing Conservatoire with such a high standard of teaching.

“I truly think she will love her time at the Conservatoire - I can picture her walking into Rambert’s inspiring building for her daily classes.

“She’s going to meet and work with such a fantastic mix of dancers and choreographers from all over the world due to their international intake and the constant opportunities on offer.”

Alex reserved special thanks for her mum for helping her on the journey.

Alex said: “I could not have achieved this without the many people who have helped me along the way.

“Without my mum I wouldn’t have the confidence to be the dancer I am today.”