Dancer Antonia kept on her toes

Family and teacher’s delight

The doors to perhaps the world’s most exclusive school for junior ballet dancers have been opened for a young Strathearn hopeful.

At the beginning of March, 11- year- old Antonia Cramb from Comrie learned she was being offered an audition for London’s White Lodge, the junior base of the Royal Ballet School.

She went south for a gruelling two- day selection process and was delighted to hear she was being offered one of only 12 available places for applicants the world over.

Antonia’s family have been discussing her options this week - they decided to back the young dancer in her dream to attend the White Lodge boarding school.

Her mother Francesca ( 37) explained what has been a tough call for her and her husband Scott (38).

“Antonia is very young, so we were unsure how we would react if she was successful in gaining a place.

“But having seen over it with her and knowing how her heart is set on going to study there, we have decided everyone would regret it if she didn’t get the chance to try.”

Antonia is the eldest of six children and her mum is aware that sending her away would be a huge wrench.

“Her little brother is only four and all Antonia has known is life in a big, busy, loving family.

“We had to be really sure she would receive warmth and great guidance if we were to let her move away to school.”

Antonia appears to have sailed through the two day selection process that began on Friday, March 3, at 8.30am.

“It was terrifying for us, but she took it all in her stride,” continued her proud mum.

She added: “They had her do classical ballet, a physical assessment to check her movement and flexibility, an academic exam in English and Maths.

“Then they had her in for an interview to see how committed she was.

“On Saturday they recalled her as one of the final 15 and then as one of the final five.

“They didn’t finish with her until late on Saturday afternoon. We nearly missed the flight home!

“Antonia simply loved it at White Lodge. She made lots of friends while they were hanging about between assessments. She stood by the statue of Margot Fonteyn - all the pupils pass it and touch it for luck.

“The ones that are starting this coming year will get to know each other at the Royal Ballet summer school, which she’s been accepted onto as well. Darcy Bussell comes in to be guest teacher at that, can you imagine?”

Francesca explained how she came into school to pass on the great news to her daughter: “Her teacher at St Dominic’s, Mr Guntley had been so supportive, asking if there was any news.

“So when I found out, I passed the open classroom window, leaned in to tell her and she cried.”