Teenage ballet dancer takes centre stage
Talented ... budding ballet dancer Nakita Harley.
A PRIMA ballerina has pirouetted herself into a prestigious dance school.
Nakita Harley secured a place at Ballet West – one of Scotland’s ballet schools of excellence – after impressing teachers with her talent.
And in September she will start a three-year degree in classical ballet and dance per- formance – and will also get the chance to perform in China. Nakita said: “I’ve loved ballet since my very first class, and my hobby has now become so much more to me.
“I find the classes so enjoyable and the atmosphere is always friendly. I feel very lucky to have had such an encouraging teacher as Kathleen Burdon, who has taught me everything, which has enabled me to get this far.”
The 16–year–old, from Temple Park Road in South Shields, has studied for Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) ballet qualifications with Miss Burdon, who runs a dance school in South Shields, for the past eight years.
The teenager has successfully completed all eight grades, achieving marks ranging from high merit to distinction level.
After leaving St Wilfrid’s RC College last July, Nakita was planning on becoming a ballet teacher.
However, she decided to continue with her studies and enrolled at South Tyneside College as a music student in September.
Then, during the summer she attended an intensive two-week RAD performance course in London, which inspired her to enquire about ballet school.
She auditioned with a class of Ballet West students and was offered a place, after the school’s director told her she has great potential.
Nakita, who will be performing with the English Youth Ballet in their version of Coppelia in March, added: “I will miss my friends at ballet, especially Miss Burdon, who has been a massive support to me.
“However, I can’t wait to study at Ballet West and live my dream.”
Nakita is looking for sponsorship to help cover her tuition fees. Any businesses which may be able to help out should contact the Gazette on 427 4861.
verity.ward@northeast-press.
co.uk
Email to a friend
Print this page- Newcastle target Barnetta to quit Bayer Leverkusen
- Transfer Rumours update May 22: Sunderland, Newcastle United, Liverpool, West Ham United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Tottenham and QPR.
- Amalfitano flies into Toon to seal Newcastle deal
- Teacher died hours after hospital sent her home
- Cats ready to Hammer out McCartney deal
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for South Shields
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 8 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 7 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North east
Your view
Please sign in to be able to comment on this story.