Sevenoaks teen accepted at prestigious ballet school

A TWINKLE-TOED Sevenoaks teenager is celebrating after she was accepted in to a prestigious dance academy.

Emma Walker, who grew up in Dunton Green, is in her first term at the Central School of Ballet (CSB) in London.

The 18-year-old has been dancing since she was three years old, attending classes from her Station Road home and eventually joining the Lisa Maybank School of Dance.

She said: "I started going then and I never stopped really.

"I'm so proud to be at CSB and was so pleased to hear I'd got in. It's a massive achievement but there's a lot of work to do.

"I knew I'd have to work really hard but I didn't know just how hard. But I love it all so much.

"We train at least six hours a day during the week and take classes on Saturday morning too.

"You have to be dedicated to make it to the top of this profession but it's my dream to be a dancer at one of the top ballet companies when I graduate."

Miss Walker, who attended Chevening Primary School and Weald of Kent Grammar School in Tonbridge, was one of only 38 students from 420 applicants to be accepted on the three-year course, a BA (Hons) in Professional Dance and Performance.

She admitted dancing comes first and sometimes gets in the way of a social life, adding: "Most of my friends are schoolfriends who also went to dancing lessons, so they know the lifestyle.

"I've always danced after school so I know it can take up lots of time.

"Now I train so late during the week I can only see my friends at the weekend.

"But I don't mind making the sacrifices – I knew it would be like this and I'm happy to do it."

Director of CSB Sara Matthews said "Students typically join us aged 16 after GCSE. By this stage many of them will have been dancing since primary school.

"Only the most talented and dedicated students are accepted."

Miss Walker will join the school's touring company Ballet Central in her final year.

For more information about the tour, visit www.balletcentral.co.uk.