KINVER student and ballet performer Olivia Tonks has been making a name for herself on the national stage.

She has recently taken part in the English Youth Ballet performance of The Nutcracker and Ballet Etudes and is aiming to join The Royal Ballet Junior Associates.

Year 10 student, Olivia, started dancing at the age of three, and dances four times a week at the Marilyn Harris School of Dance.

She secured a place at the English Youth Ballet in June and danced with them at the recent production of The Nutcracker at The Grand Theatre in Wolverhampton.

Olivia loves all forms of dance, not only ballet but also tap and modern. She will be taking her Grade 7 ballet exam soon, plus exams in tap and modern.

Every Saturday, Olivia works at the dance school teaching younger students and helps with baby ballet.

Olivia said: “I really enjoy dance. I love dancing to music and using emotion in my work. I hope to own my own dance school when I’m older.”