A WALLASEY teenager is one of 36 students to secure a place at the prestigious Central School of Ballet in London.

Esme Rivett, 17, has been dancing since she was three-years-old and was selected from more than 400 applicants for a place on the BA (Hons) in Professional Dance and Performance course at Central.

A former West Kirby Grammar School student, Esme attended a number of auditions to secure her place at Central - the only dance school in England to offer this unique ballet-focused qualification.

Esme, a former Wallasey School of Ballet student, said: “I have really enjoyed my first year at Central School of Ballet - it's been hard work but fun too.

"We train at least six hours a day during the week and take classes on Saturday morning as well.

"You have to be dedicated to make it to the top of this profession and it's my dream to be a dancer at one of the world’s leading dance companies when I graduate.

"The training is very challenging, similar to the training of the best athletes, but we are all motivated by the rewards of performing.

"Our year culminates in our end of year show which takes place onstage at The Stratford Circus Arts Centre on July 12 and 13 and gives us the opportunity to perform in front of friends, family and our fellow students, showcasing our progress and new skills."

Wirral Globe:

Headshot of Central School of Ballet Student Esme Rivett (Picture: Kate Parkes)

During her final year, Esme will join the school's touring company Ballet Central, this year the annual tour has visited 20 cities across the country.

Heidi Hall, director of Central said: “Students typically join us aged 16 after GCSE.

"By this stage many of them will have been dancing since primary school. Only the most talented and dedicated students are accepted and must be determined to succeed.

"A career as a professional dancer is possible for all young dancers with talent.

"No longer considered to be an elitist profession, many of Central students are given some kind of financial assistance through the school to allow them to complete their tuition here.

"We have a long history of accepting students from a diverse range of social and economic backgrounds.

“Central's degree course is one of the most comprehensive dance programmes in the country, and enables our students to enjoy sustained careers in classical ballet, contemporary dance and musical theatre

"Central is working towards a move to a new purpose-built facility in Southwark at the heart of London’s South Bank dynamic dance and arts hub, where Esme will have the benefit of completing her studies.”

Recent graduates from Central have gone on to join the likes of the English National Ballet, National Ballet of Estonia, Ballet Black, Joffrey Ballet of Chicago, Singapore Dance Theatre, Michael Clark Company, The Lion King and Phantom of the Opera.