AS the country goes crazy for dancing, inspired by Natalie Gumede and the Strictly performers, teenager Emily Miller has taken the first step towards her dream of being a professional dancer.

The 17-year-old, of Azalea Road, Blackburn, has been offered places on two prestigious performing arts courses — at Performers College in Essex and Bodyworks in Cambridge.

The modest Clitheroe Grammar School Sixth Form pupil said she was shocked at the opportunities.

She said: “I started dancing when I was 11 but I didn’t start ballet until about a year ago. It is quite a miracle I got accepted on to the courses. I have wanted to do this as a career since I started.”

Emily, who dances at the Rossendale Dance and Drama Centre in Waterfoot, said it was a friend who first got her into dancing.

She said: “I was staying at a friend’s house and she went to Dance Force Studios in Lower Darwen the following morning. But I refused to go in because I was too nervous.

“The next time we went the teacher came and dragged me in and I just fell in love with it.”

Emily, who previously went to Bowland High School in Grindleton, said she was delighted to have been offered the places.

Former students at the colleges — including top dancer Gary Wood —have gone on to perform in hit shows including Chicago, 42nd Street, We Will Rock You, Wicked, Mamma Mia and A Chorus Line.

Emily said: “I had to go through an intense audition process and, especially at Performers College, there were 1,000 applicants for just 70 places.

With course costs estimated at more than £12,000, Emily hopes to attract sponsors. Anyone wishing to help can contact mum Rose on 07588 612302.