A SOUTH OXHEY boy has beaten the odds to win a place at a prestigious ballet school despite only taking up the art two years ago.

Dion Page, of Falkirk Gardens, will move to Chelsea at the end of this month to begin a new life as a student of the English National Ballet School.

The 17-year-old, currently a full-time student at Gypsy Booth School and College of Theatre Arts, auditioned for the English National and for the Central School of Ballet last week.

Although he expected an offer from the Central School, he never expected to be offered a place at the English National and was shocked to be given a full scholarship on the spot.

In fact, the school asked him to enrol immediately but Dion was determined to take part in the Gypsy Booth School's annual show.

He said: "They really wanted me to start on Monday after the audition but I couldn't because I'm doing the show."

Dion enrolled in street jazz and drama classes at Gypsy Booth School three years ago. A former gymnast, he had always been interested in dance but had never considered ballet. He was encouraged to take up the art and, after some resistance, gave in.

He said: "It was very hard keeping up my strength and stamina but that's progressed and I have learned so much."

"I think I have a natural talent for it. That's why I picked it up so easily. It's difficult but I cope with it quite well."

April 8, 2003 13:30