Ballet dance star wins top place at London school

He has been dancing since he was in nappies and now teenager Bradley Walmsley has been plucked from his local dance school to perform on the worldwide stage.
Bradley WalmsleyBradley Walmsley
Bradley Walmsley

The 16-year-old has won a sought after place at the Central School of Ballet in London, beating hundreds of talented dancers from around the world to a top slot.

At the age of eight he was dancing with the Royal Ballet at the Yorkshire Dance Centre in Leeds and after concentrating on school work at Heckmondwike Grammar School, he joined the Professional Dance Experience in Leeds where tutors spotted his amazing talent and encouraged him to audition.

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Bradley said: “I start my BA Honours degree in professional dance and performance in September and cannot wait. Eventually I want to dance with the New York Ballet.

Bradley Walmsley ballet dancer secured place at Central School of Ballet in London, performing as a young child (right)Bradley Walmsley ballet dancer secured place at Central School of Ballet in London, performing as a young child (right)
Bradley Walmsley ballet dancer secured place at Central School of Ballet in London, performing as a young child (right)

“I have support from my mates and haven’t had much teasing as some might think. It is hard work and I have to stay very fit indeed. I watch what I eat and drink but need a lot of fuel to keep my energy up.”

Bradley, who is used to being the only boy in a class full of girls, also trains with his Mum, Rachel Walmsley who is the principal of Timestep School of Dance, based at Ponderosa Business Centre in Heckmondwike.

Rachel said: “He has literally been dancing since he was in nappies. He was very young and started my dance classes at about three years old. He liked disco and later discovered ballet.

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“Bradley has always been very good and with training and determination he will now study the subject he loves.”

“Me and my mum Marie and his two brothers Luke, 23 and Elliot, 21 are so proud of him. He works very hard and is fitter than a professional footballer.

“He also teaches adult ballet at my school and this is a real chance for him to shine to a worldwide audience.

“Winning a place at the Central School is just amazing.”

Bradley had an audition in Leeds then performed before dance bosses in London to win his place. He is also attending a summer school in London with the Royal Ballet.

Michael Berkin, of Professional Dance Experience in Leeds, said: “It is clear that Bradley loved to dance and wonderful to see him at work.”