TALENTED youngsters from a local performing arts school are one step closer to fulfilling their dreams of becoming professional dancers.

The dancers, aged between seven and 15 from Tanwood School for Performing Arts, have all been given places in some of the most prestigious dance schools in the country.

Principal Pollyann Tanner said she was delighted that seven of her students had been chosen.

“It’s a massive achievement for Tanwood,” she said.

“Most schools would be extremely chuffed with just one of them.

“We are very proud.”

Theo French, Ellie Bannister, Liberty Lee and Charlie Viret have been selected for the Associates of the Royal Ballet School, Charlie has also been chosen for Classical Ballet School at Tring Park; Megan Philips will be off to Central Ballet School Associates; Lucy Sims has been given a full time place at Elm Hurst Ballet School; and Hannah Sumner will be attending the Bristol Russian Youth Ballet Company.

For Hannah, 15, of Wanborough , the achievement is extra special.

Her mum Sarah, 43, said: “Hannah has been dancing since she was about four. She has got hearing problems in both ears and wears hearing aids, so she started dancing to try and improve her balance and it helped a lot.

“They have been very patient with her at Tanwood, she didn’t always pick things up as well as the others, but they always gave her that extra personal touch and have been so supportive.

“We are so proud of her.”

Theo’s mum Lisa, 32, of West Swindon , said that her son is delighted with his success.

“In his age group he is the only boy at Tanwood, but there are other boys at the Associates of the Royal Ballet School, so he is pleased,” she said.

“From a very young age he had a lot of rhythm – he started dancing when he was four and hasn’t looked back since.”

Ten-year-old Charlie’s mum Julie, 41, of Haydon Wick , will be transporting her daughter to two schools at weekends, as well as keeping up with all her other hobbies.

She said: “She was on cloud nine when she found out she had been selected.

“She will be going to the Royal Ballet School every other Saturday and Tring on Sundays.

“She also comes to Tanwood and is a member of SALOS and the Kentwood Choir. She is very dedicated and a really determined girl, she always has been.”

Tanwood will have an open day on September 8 from 10am to 4pm at Liberatus Studios, in the Isis Trading Estate. Staff will be on hand during the day to answer any questions and there will be free workshops.

For more information call 01793 523895 or visit www.tanwood.co.uk