James is jumping for joy!

Byline: Joanna Desira

A South Bank dancer has become the youngest person ever to be accepted by a top dance school.

James Southward, a pupil at Gillbrook Technology College, has been accepted into the Northern Contemporary Dance School in Leeds.

James, 16, is a three-time European Disco Dancing Champion, and is two years younger than other students who gain places.

He said: "I feel special and very pleased because they didn't really accept many people.

"I wanted to head straight away into doing something I was interested in, live the student life and experience contemporary dance which I haven't really done before."

James said he was not worried to be moving away from home and living the student life at the tender age of 16.

"I am excited, I think it will be fun living with other students," he said.

James received his acceptance letter only days after the audition.

"The audition was really strange, it was like watching auditions on telly.

"We all had to wear a number and prepare a two minute routine and perform it up on the stage while everyone was watching in the theatre below."

James is keeping his options open before deciding what to do when he leaves the school.

"I want to do something with dancing but I don't know whether I want to do Broadway shows, or be a backing dancer or take contemporary dance further - but I definitely want to do something with dancing."

James's dance teacher Anita Brown said: "He is totally committed; James has danced from the age of nine years, competing in championships and competitions. Although naturally very talented, he also works extremely hard."