YSGOL Gymraeg Bro Morgannwg pupil, Mairwen Thomas has been accepted onto an Associates Programme with Ballet Cymru.

This is a great achievement for the year 8 pupil who is aspiring to be a ballet dancer.

The programme supports young dancers who have the potential to be professional dancers.

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Mairwen, who only started ballet dancing last January, will have the opportunity to perform with professionals and to be taught by the top ballet teachers in the UK.

She will receive advice regarding health and nutrition with access to physiotherapy and medical specialist advice.

Her hope at the end of the programme is to perform with others from the programme on a national stage.

This year, due to the pandemic, the numbers accepted onto the programme have been reduced meaning Mairwen’s achievement is even more impressive.

She has been chosen to join the 12-18 year old age group – again, another achievement for the 13 year-old pupil.

Mairwen was introduced to ballet through her enjoyment of rhythmic gymnastics within the school in her PE lessons.

She represented Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Morgannwg last year in national gymnastic competitions and showcased her ability in the open evening.

These opportunities inspired her to join a ballet school in Barry to develop her skills further.

Mairwen said: "For me, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

"I am so excited for the programme.

"I want to develop as an athlete and I can’t wait to learn from the professionals.

"I’m unsure yet if I’ll get to be a professional ballet dancer myself – one step at a time."

Head teacher, Hywel Price said: "We as a school are very proud of Mairwen’s success following her dream with ballet.

"To be chosen throughout Wales is such an achievement.

"We’re so glad she was inspired by the school in her PE lessons and represented the school at gymnastics several times before developing her ballet further with this programme.

"We wish her all the success in the future."

The programme, via Zoom, ill continue for a year with a final live performance.