A BEACONSFIELD ballet dancer won a coveted prize at the 2011 Young British Dancer of the Year awards, held at the Royal Opera House.

Aisling Longshaw, 16, who attends classes at Baylins Ballet Barn in Knotty Green, was one of five dancers out of 72 from top ballet schools around the country to win a summer school scholarship.

The announcement was made on March 19. Another past pupil of the school, India de Vere, 15, from Marlow, was a semi-finalist.

Aisling, who lives in Whiteleaf, Princes Risborough, has been having lessons for five years at Baylins, under the guidance of former ballet dancer Annik Coatalen.

She performed at the London Children's Ballet last year as well as an international ballet competition in Paris. As well as taking 14 GCSEs, Aisling is auditioning for full-time training from September.

Baylins Ballet Barn will be holding a school show on July 9 at Wycombe Abbey.

For more information go to www.baylinsballetbarn.buildingmy.com or call 01494 673188.