A PINT-SIZED performer with a big talent is set to represent Scotland on the world stage.

Isabella Hay has reached the Dance World Cup Finals to be held in Burgos in Spain.

Talented Isabella, nine, qualified in all categories she applied for including ballet, tap, modern and national dance - Highland.

She told the Tele she is 'excited and very happy'.

Isabella added: "I've never been to a competition this big before.

"I love singing and dancing, I just enjoy performing so much."

Isabella is a pupil with Jackson Studios and she has been dancing with expert tutor Linda Jackson since she was only two years old.

Linda said: "I am bursting with pride to have this wee firecracker selected to be part of Team Scotland.

"We sent in the videos and she qualified in all five categories.

"It's a very prestigious competition - there are dancers from all over the world taking part.

"It's musical theatre competition and this is our stage side.

"Isabella will be wearing her modern 'Simba' costume."

A pupil at St John's Primary in Port Glasgow, Isabella lives with her parents Mariann and John in Kingston Dock.

Mariann, 40, is thrilled by her success in reaching the World Cup despite the challenges of lockdown.

She said: "It's an amazing opportunity to be selected to represent your country."󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

"Isabella is good girl and and I am really pleased that she is still working hard during lockdown."

Isabella is no stranger to the spotlight and is also a member of Inverclyde Musical Youth Theatre, Songbird Singing and was chosen to star in the Movies to Musicals show at the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow.

Mariann said: "She has been taking part in workshops with west end stars.

"It's been a great opportunity for her."

Isabella performed in Las Vegas in 2019 and recently won a singing competition held over Zoom held by McKechnie School of Dance & Performing Arts.

Linda said: "She is the first of my students to go to the World Cup.

"Isabella is a natural performer but she works so, so hard."

The competition is in July and it is hoped that it will still go ahead as planned, but if it is postponed Isabella will automatically get a place the following year.