When it comes to ballet dancing, talented Natasha Watson is raising the barre.
The lithe 18-year-old has just tiptoed her way into one of the world’s most prestigious dance competitions, following in Strictly judge Darcey Bussell’s dainty footsteps.
Natasha is the only British representative in the highly regarded Prix de Lausanne. Previous winners include former Royal Ballet principal dancer Darcey, 45.
The five-day gruelling competition takes place in Switzerland next month, featuring 39 of the best ballerinas from around the globe.
Natasha, who has been dancing since the age of three, said: “Some of the former winners are amazing, including Darcey Bussell.
“If I can have even a small part of the success she has had I would be delighted. I’m just hugely excited.”
Gillian Barton, the principal of Ballet West, where Natasha studies, said it’s a “huge accomplishment” to be chosen for the event, which has been going since 1972.
She said: “We are incredibly proud of her achievements and wish her all the luck in the world. She has a really good chance of winning.”
The teenager from Taynuilt in Argyll now faces a gruelling rehearsal schedule as she races to be ready for the contest.
While Gillian thinks she’s tutu good, Natasha is more modest about her chances. “I just want to do the best that I can,” she said.
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