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Teenager to compete in international ballet event

Royal Academy of Dance Sophie Carter, in a black dance costume and white tights, performing balletRoyal Academy of Dance
Sophie Carter, 17, from East Haddon has been dancing since the age of two

A teenager is set to compete in one of world's most prestigious dance competitions.

Sophie Carter, 17, of East Haddon, Northamptonshire, will take part in the Royal Academy of Dance's Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition in London in September.

Around 60 pre-professional dancers aged 15 to 19 from across the globe will work with professionals and perform in front of a judging panel that includes renowned ballerina Dame Darcey Bussell.

Sophie, who ambitions to join a professional ballet company, said: "I don't mind where as long as I get to dance on stage."

A black and white photo of Dame Margot Fonteyn dancing
The competition is named after legendary dancer Dame Margot Fonteyn

Sophie began her dancing journey inspired by her brothers, and aged 11, trained at Tring Park School, before being accepted into the prestigious English National Ballet School, where she currently studies.

Sophie realised she wanted to turn professional at about nine years old after "falling in love" with performing on stage at Northampton's Royal and Derngate Theatre.

Her mother, Natalie, a former ballet dancer herself, spoke of the dedication required, noting it took a lot of "hard graft" to succeed.

While Sophie also trains in contemporary dance, her "main focus" is ballet.

The Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition runs from 1 to 8 September.

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