Dancing teen wins top scholarship
MEET Luke Fairless – the teenager following in Billy Elliot’s footsteps with dreams of making it big on London’s West End.
The 14-year-old dancer from Newcastle is set to move to the capital after landing a scholarship at the prestigious Tring Park School for the Performing Arts.
Luke’s passion for performing has blossomed ever since he first laced up his dance shoes aged six – and he’s not looked back since.
Mum Jo said: “From a very early age we realised Luke had bundles of energy, and we needed to get him an activity to burn some of it off. He was always dancing around and there were a couple of his classmates who were already dancing with Elaine.
“Luke loves it, it’s his absolute passion. It’s all he wants to do. His ultimate goal would be to dance on the West End.”
Luke, from Cragston Park, Blakelaw, has been learning at Elaine Milbourne’s Performing Arts School in Newburn for eight years.
The teenager – who practices a variety of dance disciplines including ballet and tap – also helps to teach aspiring young children at the school.
But in September, Luke will be packing his bags and moving away from family and friends for the chance to chase his dreams.
Jo, 44, said: “It’s a boarding school so he will only be coming home for holidays which is a bit unfortunate for us, but I’m sure we will get used to it.
“We were absolutely overwhelmed when Luke got the news. We’re very proud parents because we know it’s very hard to get into the school.
“They only accept kids who have the absolute passion and determination needed to succeed. All of Luke’s hard work and passion has paid off.”