A BALLERINA is dancing on air after being awarded a rare opportunity to study the dance in London.

Commonweal pupil Bella Partridge has been granted a prestigious dance opportunity at the Central Ballet School in London.

Her mum, Claire Southworth, said her daughter had come home to a lovely surprise after school one day to find her invitation waiting for her.

"She’s been offered a place at the Central Ballet School on Saturday’s from September," she explained. "She was convinced she wouldn’t get in as the audition was hard and she felt there was some really good pupils auditioning with her.

"We are so pleased for Bella, because she is so dedicated and hard-working and this is a wonderful reward for all that effort. She knows that ballet school will be a challenge but she is really looking forward to it and she knows that all her family and friends are 100 per cent behind her. ”

Bella, 13, said she knew that there was a lot of hard work ahead of her: “I was really nervous opening the envelope. I didn't expect to be offered a place, as the audition was really hard and there was lots of talented dancers there. I am so excited to be going to London to study at such a good college and I know I will have to work hard to keep my place. I still can't believe it!"

She has been praised by head of dance at Commonweal Claire Bowden, who said: “It’s such great news that Bella has been offered this opportunity. We are extremely proud of her here at Commonweal, she is a beautiful dancer and this will help her to develop her technical ability even further."