Natasha Watson won a national ballet competition and the chance to perform in London.

The competition, "Genee Dance Challenge" was held by the Royal Academy of Dance at Birmingham Royal Ballet. It was only open to talented young students who had achieved excellent exam results in their RAD ballet exams at a young age.

The Genee competition...

Natasha (14), won her section with a solo choreographed by former Principal Ballerina Sara-Maria Barton.

Winners were selected from three levels and won the chance to perform their specially choreographed solos in London at 'Supper with the Stars' in November to an audience of International dance professionals. They also receive a stay in London with tickets to the Genée Final at Sadler’s Wells Theatre. The Genee is an International Ballet competition attracting rising stars from across the world. (Above: Natasha Watson (right) and Olivia Roach, with Jill Firth and Lei Zhao)

Aspiring ballerina

As well as studying ballet with Central Scotland Ballet School, Natasha regularly trains across the UK with Scottish Ballet, Ballet West and the Royal Ballet on their associate schemes. She has been awarded Distinction with over 90% for all her RAD ballet exams, including the Vocational Grades. She was recently awarded a gold medal from the Caledonian Trust for her outstanding achievements in ballet.