TALENTED Harriet Blackler is set to dance her way to stardom after winning a week at a performing arts academy in London.

Harriet, 14, caught the eye of one of the judges at a dance festival in Bournemouth in the summer, where she won several medals.

It turned out that the judge, a tutor at a London dance school, had seen Harriet perform at a similar festival in Bristol a few months earlier, and was impressed by her abilities.

Although Harriet a pupil at the Judith Hocka-day School of Dance and Drama, in Prospect Place, Old Town did well at both festivals, she was stunned to receive a call from the ArtsEd School in London offering her a free seven day course.

Harriet, of Ash Brake, Abbey Meads, said: "I just couldn't believe it, but I'm really excited.

"I am just so thrilled the judge remembered me."

Harriet has been dancing since she was two, and has her heart set on a glittering career in the West End.

Although she does ballet, tap and jazz, she really enjoys musical theatre.

Harriet, who attends St Joseph's School, said: "I would love to perform in shows such as Cats.

"I'm sure this course will help me develop my skills.

"I just really enjoy myself when I'm on stage."

If she is successful, Harriet will be following in the footsteps of numerous former Judith Hocka-day dancers who have gone on to dance professionally.

Judith said: "Many pupils are working on cruise ships and I have dancers in the Spirit of the Dance, which is touring America. Harriet is very talented, and has the dedication needed to make it.

"She definitely has that natural sparkle."

Harriet has started a trend in her family her two younger sisters, Layla, seven, and Lydia, four, are also pupils at Judith's school.

Harriet's mother Tracy is proud of her daughter's achievement and said: "Harriet was lucky because the same judge saw her twice.

"I'm sure she will go on to make it.

"If children are still dancing at 14 it usually means they have the determination to do it professionally.

"I'm very proud of her, when she performed at Bournemouth she just looked lovely."

tlal@newswilts.co.uk