A DARWEN youngster is hoping to become a real-life equivalent of fictional ballet star Billy Elliot after winning a coveted scholarship at one of the North West’s top dance schools.

Kayden Bellusci, 11, has been offered a place at The Hammond School in Chester despite having danced for only two years.

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And having plied his trade at Rothwell Arts Elite Academy, the St Paul’s Primary School pupil will now be trained by some of the region’s top professionals.

Vicky Rothwell, owner of Rothwell Arts, said the Moorlands Court youngster started tap lessons at her school. But he was soon encouraged to start ballet when she saw his potential on the dance floor.

She said: “Kayden is a star pupil and he is a fantastic dancer. He has only been dancing for about two years but he is excellent and has progressed very quickly. He was born to do it and he is clearly going to make it in the profession.”

Kayden won the scholarship, which starts in September and lasts for 12 months, after a competitive audition process. Miss Rothwell said: “He had to go through an audition process where they do ballet classes and then they pick who they want and Kayden was successful.

“He is a very lucky boy and now will get training from some of the industry’s top teaching professionals.

“After his year is finished he will not come out with any particular qualifications — but the fact he has been there will do wonders for his career.

“It is not always what you know — it is often who you know. The fact he has been to Hammond will do him a lot of good if he wants to continue his career in ballet.”

Kayden’s mum Emily said: “We are very proud of him. Kayden is really excited about it.

“He was shocked because he was not expecting it and now he cannot wait to get started.

“His dream is to be in the West End and he is auditioning for Billy Elliot in May so it is exciting times.”

“Kayden took up dancing two years ago. We were watching Singing In The Rain one Christmas and I could see his face so asked if he wanted to do it and he said ‘Yes’.

“He loves anything to do with music and is also into drama and plays the piano.”

The Hammond School Of Dancing was founded in 1917 by Irene Hammond when she took over an existing dance school and expanded it to include all performing-arts studies.

It is one of only eight schools nationwide funded by the government’s Music & Dance Scheme, which offers scholarships to youngsters aged eight to 19.