A DANCE student has stepped up to the challenge and scooped first prize in a national ballet competition. Rebecca Scanlon won the 10-13 years age group of The Cecchetti Ballet Society Mabel Ryan Awards. The 11-year-old dance pupil from Royston, who atten

A DANCE student has stepped up to the challenge and scooped first prize in a national ballet competition.

Rebecca Scanlon won the 10-13 years age group of The Cecchetti Ballet Society Mabel Ryan Awards.

The 11-year-old dance pupil from Royston, who attends Dance Steps Academy in The Settlement, Nevells Road, Letchworth GC, took part in the competition at The Place Theatre in London.

Rebecca, a student at The Thomas More School, received a medal and a bag of goodies including a statue of a dancer and a book about Margot Fontaine.

She said: "It was really exciting. It was a great experience. I've never entered anything like this before."

Rebecca has wanted to be a dancer since the age of five and hopes to become a professional. She has already decided to enter in the next age group of the award when she reaches 13.

Having put dancers through their paces for 17 years, teaching ballet, tap and modern, Sarah Johnson, of Dance Steps Academy, said: "I deserve a medal!"

She said: "I'm very proud. She's a dedicated, hard working student. This is the start of something for her. She's definitely got a career in dance."

Rebecca may face decisions about her future as she has been accepted at Arts Educational School in Tring on a full-time dance course but has also beaten thousands to line up a recall at The Royal Ballet in London.