Lily Farrell, 13, entering Year 8 this month at the Sunningdale School, auditioned for the National Youth Ballet in March earlier this year and beat hundreds of others for the opportunity to dance with the company for one season.

She will be dancing in two performances, Suite Bourgeoise and Dolls House Fantasia, both choreographed by the company’s professional alumni.

The achievement is all the more impressive as Lily started ballet at a much older age, having her first lesson aged eight.

Lily’s mum Sarah Farrell said: “She just took to it very quickly, usually the best dancers started when they were about three but she is a natural.

“I’m extremely proud of her, she’s done so well, especially considering she doesn’t attend a full-time vocational dance school.” Briar Dance Academy in Lightwater, where Lily has lessons three times a week, guided her through the tough auditions, held over two days, and continue to support her.

The successful dancers attended a gruelling 10-day boarding school during the summer where their skills and stamina were put to the test.

With daily ballet classes, the youngsters, aged between eight and 18 spent their days in rehearsals, workshops and various classes.

Alongside ballet, the dancers also enjoyed classes exploring Spanish, Irish, jazz and contemporary dance plus pilates and body conditioning classes.

This season’s performances began in August.

A gala evening held on Monday, September 1 in London at the New Wimbledon Theatre was a grand display of all the hard work put in to the shows by the dancers and gave families and friends another chance to see their loved ones on stage.