A YOUNG dancer is looking to find his feet in the capital and take the next big step towards becoming a professional performer.

Jamie Heward, 18 from Darlington will soon be taking his next big step in his fledgling career.

He has been awarded a place at the prestigious Urdang Dance Academy in London, studying BA (Hons) in professional dance and musical theatre.

Jamie, who has been performing since the age of seven, has attended various theatre arts school such as Stagecoach in Darlington and Yarm, also taking specialised classes in ballet and tap dancing. He has been a member of The ArtsSpark Youth Theatre and Youth Dance classes for more than two years now.

He will spend three years starting from September honing his craft with some of the best teachers in the business.

Jamie said: “It was around the age of 16 that I really made a commitment to performing arts, I joined ArtsSpark to learn more and really get into it.

“I started doing a lot of activities outside of college, taking various classes to improve. Urdang offer dance, acting and singing classes. I’m really, really excited to go to Urdang Academy.”

His mother, Pauline Gorman, said: “He found a real love for the arts by going to Stagecoach when he was younger, I’m really proud of what he has achieved, he’s really passionate about this and I think he really does deserve it.”

ArtsSpark provide a fun and creative environment for young people to participate in quality theatre and dance activates leading to regular performance opportunities across the region, recently working alongside professionals in Civic Theatre shows such as To Sir, with Love and Goodnight Mr Tom.

Sessions are held at Hummersknott Academy for anyone aged five and over. Classes are led by professional practitioners they focus on developing performance skills, teamwork, confidence and self-esteem.