Stretton dancer, 15, wins grand prize at prestigious ballet competition

Lucy Crawford, who lives in Stretton, started learning to dance when she was just 3 years old.

The youngster fell in love with ballet at Karen Speers dance studio, ADRESS, and AT dance school, in Stockton Heath.

“Lucy’s talent went from strength to strength,” said Louise Crawford, Lucy’s mum.

“She decided to audition for vocational ballet school and won a place at Elmhurst in 2022.”

Elmhurst Ballet School is a prestigious dance school in Birmingham, where Lucy is a student and trains five hours a day alongside her studies as a year 11 pupil.

This Summer, the former Bridgewater Hight School student travelled to The Royal Academy of Dance in London where she gained a high distinction an advanced ballet exam.

Lucy was one of 24 dancers competing in the competitionLucy was one of 24 dancers competing in the competition (Image: Supplied)

After receiving such a high grade, Lucy decided to enter the prestigious Phyllis Bedells Bursary competition.

The £1,000 bursary is awarded annually, and the competition sees 24 dancers take part in a ballet class and dance two solos for a panel of judges.

Despite some touch competition, Lucy was awarded the top prize in recognition of her artistic and technical achievement.

“We are absolutely thrilled that our daughter Lucy has gained such a huge award which she has worked so very hard for,” said Louise.

“Lucy comes alive when on the stage dancing and I hope she achieves her dream of becoming a professional Ballerina.

“We are always there for her to support her dreams.”

The 15-year-old is hoping to one day enter the international Margaret Fonteyn competition and is currently auditioning for an upper school place at a top ballet school.

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