Nine-year-old Izaak Cobb loves to dance – and his dedication has won him a place at an internationally renowned performing arts and dance centre.

Izaak, of Scotton Street, Wye, who has been dancing since he was four, is to become a part-time associate of Urdang Academy in London.

A pupil at Lady Joanna Thornhill primary school in Wye, he trains in tap and modern dance with the Margaret Giles School in Ashford and in ballet with Alison Clark, principal of Dance Warehouse in Canterbury.

Izaak has performed twice at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury with Dance Warehouse and is currently in rehearsals for their current summer show Second Star On The Right – a story of Peter Pan and Wendy in July.

Miss Clark said: “We are thrilled that Izaak has done so well.

“Izaak started dancing for fun and it has turned into a passion.”

Asked why he dances, Izaak said: “Dance makes me feel alive and happy, it is who I am. With dance you can express your feelings or be someone different to your self.”

Dance is a big part of his life. He has three classes a week and more when he is rehearsing or preparing for a dance exam.

At the Urdang Academy he will train in ballet, jazz, contemporary and choreography.

Izaak admits it is not easy to be a young male dancer.

“You must be strong outside to dance and inside to deal with the teasing. Any boys who think dancing is just for girls should try it,” he said.

“It’s very physical and you must be very fit, focussed and able to feel the music. It’s hard work and requires strict discipline.”