A teenage dancer from Stotfold is heading to Hollywood to continue her education in the performing arts.

Aisling Thomas will be travelling to Los Angeles later this month as part of a trip organised by The MGA Academy of Performing Arts in Edinburgh, where she is currently training for a diploma in dance.

Aisling, a former student of St Christopher School in Letchworth, will spend a week learning from industry professionals and take part in a series of intensive dance workshops at the IDA Hollywood dance studio.

The 19-year-old said: “I can’t wait to visit to Los Angeles as I’ve never been before. The workshops are going to be great experience and I can’t wait to see how differently people dance in the USA.

“It’ll be a great thing to have on my CV as I don’t imagine many people will get the opportunity to take classes in Hollywood whilst training.

“I’ve always believed that it’s important to strive to be the very best you can be and that your biggest competitor is yourself.”

Aisling first enrolled at DLG School of Dance in Luton at the age of three. After spending several years training she decided to audition for a full-time place at the Edinburgh-based academy.

“I decided to pursue a career as a professional dancer as I love expressing myself through dance and feel at my most confident when I’m performing,” she added.

“I applied for MGA Academy as I heard they were great at teaching commercial dance and I’d love to work in music videos or as a performer on a cruise ship.

“At my audition, I instantly felt like I belonged and was so excited when I received my acceptance letter in the post. I can’t wait to see what’s next for me.”

Creative director of The MGA Academy Murray Grant said: “Our trip to Los Angeles will give students the opportunity to experience and appreciate the theatre and culture of the USA while getting to enjoy all that one of the best cities in the world has to offer.

“This year, Aisling and her classmates will get to take part in masterclasses with some top dancers and choreographers and this experience will stand them in great stead for future auditions.”