ONCE a disco diva, now a graceful ballerina – a switch in dance styles has led a 12-year-old Billericay girl to the stage of a top London theatre.
Scarlett Mann is excited about taking part in the London Children's Ballet's 2013 production at Sadler's Wells Theatre next month.
Following a tough audition process, Scarlett was picked for a part in The Secret Garden, choreographed by the Royal Ballet's Érico Montes.
The former Buttsbury Junior School pupil has been winning medals on the ballet festival circuit since she focused on the form of dance at the age of nine.
Her decision came after she made it to national level in disco dancing, becoming the International Dance Teachers Association (IDTA) Nationwide Medallist of the year for under 9s in November 2009.
Scarlett said: "I loved disco but felt I had gone as far as I could so decided to concentrate on ballet. I really enjoy it. I have been dancing since the age of two."
The youngster, who goes to Chelmsford County High School for Girls, heads to London every Sunday for rehearsals – on top of the three other dance classes she attends each week at the Central School of Dance and Drama at the Brentwood United Reformed Church in New Road.
In London she rehearses with youngsters from across the south east in preparation for the production at Sadler's Wells Peacock Theatre from April 25 to 28.
Scarlett said: "I think I'm the only girl from Essex so I have made a lot of new friends, meeting people from across the country.
"I'm sure I'll be nervous nearer the time of the performance, but for the moment I am so excited.
"I have received so much support from school and my friends, which is helping me stay calm."
Mum Rebecca Mann, a journalist, said: "Over the years Scarlett has taken classes in so many dance styles: Latin, ballroom, rock and roll, freestyle and ballet.
"She reached the point where she needed to specialise and chose ballet."
Tickets can be bought by visiting www.sadlerswells.com or calling 0844 412 4322.
