Strictly-inspired 10-year-old off to Royal Ballet

When she watched Strictly Come Dancing, Jessica thought: "Wow, I want to do that"

A 10-year-old girl who was inspired after watching Strictly Come Dancing said she was "shocked" after securing a place on a prestigious ballet training programme.

Jessica, who lives in King's Lynn, Norfolk, will join the Royal Ballet School's Junior Associate Programme, which trains a small number of talented young dancers alongside their regular classes.

She said she wanted to be the next Darcey Bussell, and her mum Lucy, 40, said she was "proud" of her daughter's determination.

Jessica's dance instructor said her "technique is beautiful" and that she has the ability to go "as far as she likes" with dancing.

Jessica said that, aged four, she asked her mum if she could go to a dance school.

"My legs just wanted to move," she said.

Jessica felt she did not have a chance after applying for the course, because there were more than 2,000 people at the audition.

She "jumped up and down and cried" when she received the good news.

Jessica would dance at home during the Covid-19 pandemic and had not seen ballet until she went to her first dance lesson

A spokesperson for the Royal Ballet School said they were excited to welcome Jess into the Junior Associate Programme, which was created in 1948 by the founder, Dame Ninette de Valois.

Jessica dances at Noise and Chance School of Dance, and the owner, Trina Lee, said she had always been "very energetic".

The youngster had "beautiful" technique and a brilliant "attitude", said Ms Lee.

"She's very passionate about it, and if you can get that mix right within a child, you know that they can take themselves far," she added.

Jessica was a reminder that "big things and big dreams can come from small places" she continued.

Ballet teacher Trina Lee said she was "very pleased" that Jessica had made it to the Royal Ballet School training scheme

Watching her train from the side of the room, her mother Lucy said: "I just never imagined that it would ever turn into [this] - it's been incredible."

Lucy said that Jess has had to give up certain things, like parties or trips with friends at weekends due to her passion for dancing, but that was her choice.

"It's always driven by her," she said.

Lucy is now trying to raise money to help pay to get Jess to London to attend the training.