British Cypriot Helen Zeniou, was one of a small Cypriot team of competitors who on Saturday, travelled to Birmingham to take part in the semi final of the VKIBC International Ballet Competition.

Helen who is only 9 years old, was the youngest ballerina to compete against much older semi-finalists, and stunned judge Valentina Koslova with her mesmerising ballet performance. She expressed how impressed she was with her considerable talent and then awarded her a place in the Final, an incredible achievement, which will take place in New York in April.

Her parents Ellis and Janette and grandparents Helen and Peter, attended the event and were immensely proud of Helen and the hours and of hard work and dedication she has put in to achieve this result.

Huge thanks should also go to her teacher Sylvia, of Sylvia’s Ballet School where she has been attending since the age of 3.

We wish Helen the best of luck at the Finals in New York.