SHE'S come a long way since she hated her first lesson at an Eastleigh ballet school as a tot.

Former Hampshire schoolgirl Laura Purkiss is now a soloist with the celebrated Birmingham Royal Ballet and returns to dance on the stage where she saw her first taste of ballet next week.

The 35-year-old ballerina told Lorelei Reddin: "My first ever ballet that I saw was actually Birmingham Royal Ballet at The Mayflower! It was Hobson's Choice, it's all coming back to me now.

"It must have been 20 years ago, but it really made an impression on me. I knew in my head that's what I wanted to do and I've never looked back.

"I've never actually danced in Southampton though, despite training in Eastleigh until I was 16. It's going to be emotional I think."

Laura's Mum took her along to their local dance school, Parkewood School of Dance at Fleming Park Leisure Centre, a class which she would grow to love!

She added: "I was taken along because I was shy. My Mum wanted me to be more outgoing and to try and make some friends.

"I absolutely hated it! I thought it was awful and I really didn't understand what was going on. I thought to myself I'm never going to go back.

"I didn't go back for quite some time, but then Mum noticed me dancing all the time and really becoming interested in the dance she loved - Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers and the musicals.

"I went to the classes more and more and one day I decided this is what I want to do!"

Laura was a pupil at Alderman Quilley School while she continued her training with Lynne Wiltshire at Parkewood.

The mother of two attended the Royal Ballet School and joined Birmingham Royal Ballet in 1999, becoming a soloist in 2012.

She will be dancing the role of Courtesan on the opening night of Swan Lake on Tuesday and will switch roles throughout the week.

Birmingham Royal Ballet's Swan Lake runs until Saturday.

Tickets are available from 023 8071 1881 or mayflower.org.uk