Ballerina Anabelle Paton has been dancing since she was a tot.

The talented dancer from Stanford-Le-Hope has been showcasing her skills as a performer as part of the Ballet Central UK tour.

The ballerina went to St Clere’s School and honed her skills at Joanne Bond School of Classical Ballet in Rayleigh followed by Ballet Boost Associates, before securing a place at the coverted Ballet Central.

Anabelle’s love of dance has continued to flourish and now the 17-year old is part of a UK wide tour and she will be performing at Queen’s Theatre in Hornchurch on June 21.

"It's been amazing being on tour and we have learnt so much. We now know how to set up the stage and the lighting, costumes, etc. It will set us up amazingly for life as professional dancers," said Anabelle.

Echo: On stage - Anabelle Paton in Blind OpticsOn stage - Anabelle Paton in Blind Optics (Image: Drew Forsyth)

The dazzling programme features much-loved familiar stories alongside exciting contemporary pieces and some brand-new work, created especially for the tour.

There’s the classical Pas de Deux, The Two Pigeons, an earthy Pas de Trois, Monotones I, both from one of the 20th century's most distinctive choreographic voices, Sir Frederick Ashton.

The dancer has many ambitions she would like to accomplish in the future.

“I have so many dance ambitions but to perform within an internationally renowned ballet company would simply be a dream come true,” she said.

“The total climax of my career would be to be selected to be a cast member within Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures, how exciting and intriguing are everyone of his amazing creations, I couldn’t choose a favourite as they are all so unique.

Hornchurch Tickets can be booked: https://www.queens-theatre.co.uk/whatson/ballet-central-tour-2023/ priced £13 to £18.65.