Port Glasgow youngster joins Dance School of Scotland

Isabella Hay has been accepted for the Dance School of Scotland, where only 13 pupils are selected from all over Scotland every year.

The dedicated youngster is thrilled and hopes this will set her on the right path to her future career.

Isabella, 11, said: "I am really excited. It's a great opportunity, there are only a few dancers chosen from the whole of Scotland.

"I will be boarding between Monday and Friday afternoon and will do my school work at Knightswood Secondary School.

"We will do two hours of dance instead of PE at school and after school as well."

Isabella is no stranger to the limelight having performed on Britain's Got Talent with the Movies to Musicals dance and song troupe.

She attends Jackson Dance & Performing Arts Studios and St John's Primary.

Although she is she excited about her big break she admits that she has mixed feelings about leaving.

She said: "I'm really sad about leaving all my friends but I will see them on Friday afternoon.

"It's the first step for becoming a professional dancer, if you go for interviews at dance colleges in London, they always ask if you have been to the Dance School of Scotland."

Isabella will hone her ballet, jazz and tap skills, even though she has been studying Highland Dancing with dance teacher Linda Jackson since she was three years old.

Linda has also taught her jazz and tap for many years, leading to a host of trophies and awards. She was recently crowned Scottish TDCI (Theatre Dance Council International) Song and Dance Champion 2022.

Linda said: "I will really miss her but I am delighted.

"It's a fantastic opportunity and she deserves it because she works so hard.

"You've got to let them fly the nest."

Isabella lives with her parents, Mariann and John, in Kingston Dock.

Mariann said: "I'll support her in anything she wants to do.

"I've given her every opportunity but I am going to miss her terribly when she goes."