A classically-trained ballet dancer is returning to her first love to share her passion for dance with youngsters.

Hannah Harris, 28, from Deal will launch her own ballet academy at The Astor Theatre, in Stanhope Road, next month.

She is starting with babyballet for six-month old to six-year old children - a new dance class founded by a Yorkshire mum-of-four which is being adopted as far as Sydney in Australia.

The former Walmer Science College pupil, who has been dancing since she was three, attended the world-renowned Royal Ballet School, London, as a youngster.

She had to audition every year to keep her place there, but when she went off to university, ballet took a back seat.

She got a first class honours degree in advertising at The University of Gloucestershire and worked in marketing for more than five years, but says she found herself craving a job that allowed her to dance.

She said: “I started off giving private classes to a friend’s daughter and had a light bulb moment when I realised I could make a career out of teaching others."

She went to college to gain her qualifications in ballet teaching and also started ballet classes for adults in her spare time.

“A friend’s daughter did babyballet classes so I went along to watch and was hooked from day one.

“The benefits of ballet from a young age for both boys and girls is well documented. I can’t wait to get started.”

She is having a launch party on Saturday, August 19 from 12noon until 3pm at Betteshanger Country Park, Deal, which will be attended by one of babyballet’s favourite characters, Twinkle.

There is a teddy bear’s picnic in a tepee, taster classes and face painting. Entry is free.

Her first classes start on Monday, September 4 at Astor Theatre and she will be offering 10 classes a week.

She plans to do more ballet teaching studies next year and would eventually like to expand her business and take on more teachers.

She said: “I don’t regret my time working in marketing because it was valuable experience for starting my own business, but I’m thrilled to be going back to my first love.”

She has an introductory offer of £15 for a three-week-trial.

Anyone who would like more details can contact Hannah 07377 714985 or email deal@babyballet.co.uk or visit www.babyballet.co.uk