A TALENTED young dancer from Dorchester is one step closer to reaching her dream as a professional ballerina - after being accepted onto a programme at one of the most prestigious ballet schools in the country.
Eloise Nugent, a Year 9 student at Thomas Hardye School, has joined the ranks at the English National Ballet School (ENBS) in London on an associates programme, where she will attend classes every Saturday during term time.
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The 14-year-old has been nurturing her skills as a dancer since she was a toddler according to her dance teacher Lisa Evans-Misailidou, who runs Just Dance at the Pointe Old Salvation Army Hall, in Dorchester.
Mrs Evans-Misailidou said: "We're very proud to announce that Eloise has successfully auditioned for The English National Ballet School's Associate Programme, which is launching in September 2021.
"It's been designed for pre-vocational dancers aged 13-16, who wish to further their weekly training alongside their regular classes."
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The new programme gives talented young dancers the opportunity to experience training at the world-renowned school in London, and helps them prepare for full-time vocational education.
"Eloise has been taking dance classes ballet, tap and modern at our Dorchester dance school since she was a toddler; excelling in all performances and examinations," said Ms Evans-Misailidou.
"She has always been one of the most determined and enthusiastic students - especially in ballet."
Eloise said: "I'm excited about this position in the ENBS Associates Programme.
"I've worked hard to get to this point and a big thank you goes to Lisa for her teaching and commitment in encouraging and supporting me in applying for this opportunity.
"Through continuing with her classes and training with the ENBS Associates, I'm look forward to hopefully achieving my ambitions for a career as a professional ballet dancer performing in classical ballet productions."
The ENBS was founded in 1988 by English National Ballet to train students for a professional career in dance.
The school exists as a separate entity but maintains strong links with its parent company, sharing its commitment to excellence and access.
Applications for the September 2021 intake of the Associate Programme have now closed.
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