I have been taking dance lessons since I was 3 years old, doing ballet, jazz and contemporary. A few years ago, I decided to start focusing on ballet, a dance form that I love.

I started to train harder outside and inside my classes and went to lots of auditions. At first, I did not really get anywhere but last year I was selected to perform as part of the London Children’s Ballet’s 2024 production company. This was an unforgettable experience as I performed in a West End theatre after months of learning a ballet called ‘The Secret Garden’. This was such an insight to performing as a professional ballerina and the work put into creating a ballet like this.

I recently auditioned for the London Children’s ballet again and found out I have been offered a place! In addition, I was selected this summer to the National Youth Ballet’s residential programme in Birmingham, following which we performed at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London.

Just this term I also began my journey as an associate at The Central School of Ballet and it has opened my eyes to many new things. Going forward, in the coming year I am going to audition for a spot for the Royal Ballet Mid Associates Program and this will expose me to immense opportunities including a chance to perform at the Royal Opera House.

Report from Dilara M