A STUDENT is flying high after securing a place at one of the country’s leading dance colleges.

Richmond sixth former Hannah Smith will study professional dance and musical theatre at the celebrated Bird College in London.

The 18-year-old, of Richmond, has been passionate about dance since she saw Billy Elliott in the West End when she was young.

Bird College of Dance attracts countless hopefuls every year with places coveted by students.

Hannah successfully completed a nine and half hour audition including interviews, a singing presentation, monologue and dance class. She had to wait six weeks to hear if she had secured a place.

“I was going on another audition when the letter arrived,” said Hannah, who is a member of North Yorkshire Dance Company and is studying A-level dance at Richmond Sixth Form.

“I had waited so long that I thought I hadn’t got in – so I was so happy when I had. I love dance more than acting and singing but will need all three for the West End. One day I would love to teach with my own dance school.”

Richmond School and Sixth Form is fast-developing a reputation for success in performing arts and a number of other students will be taking up places to reach dram a, music, theatre and film-making.

Assistant head teacher Leslie Richardson said: “It is fantastic to see our students succeed in a field about which they feel so passionately. I’m confident they are destined for great things and a life full of rich rewards.”