A PONTYPOOL ballet dancer hopes to turn her hobby into a career.

Ella-Louise Appleby, 15, from New Inn, first started with the Gemini School of Dance in Griffithtown at the age of four and over 10 years later she remains dedicated to the art.

She has been led over the years by teacher Jacqui Everson who has been running the school for over 30 years teaching the Cecchetti method of ballet to over 200 pupils.

This year Ella-Louise entered the Wales and West Cecchetti Awards at the Congress Theatre, Cwmbran, and walked away as the senior winner.

Her mum Maria said that dance is her daughter’s passion and it isn’t unusual for Ella-Louise to come straight in from school and put her ballet shoes on to practice.

Ella-Louise hopes to go on to a ballet school after her GCSE’s to become a professional dancer.

Mrs Appleby said: “Ever since she could walk, she loved to dance, and although she has tried other dance styles over the years, ballet remains her favourite.”

Ella-Louise explained that her dream would be to have a career as a touring dancer.

She is dedicating three evenings a week to dance rehearsals, as well undertaking summer schools to work alongside professionals.

Ella-Louise said that her inspiration is Ms Everson and describes her as a role model who has supported her over the years.

She will be taking the first of the professional exams in the autumn term with the intermediate foundation exam,and will be auditioning for dance vocational schools.

Ms Everson said: "Ella-Louise has gained excellent results over the years with high distinctions in every ballet examination."