A PAIR of talented young dancers are living their dream after securing coveted contracts with prestigious employers.

Sophie Hartley, from Saxtead, near Framlingham and Kanika Carr, of nearby Marlesford, graduated from London’s Central School of Ballet (CSB) in July. The girls, who are both 19, each achieved a 2.1 in Professional Dance and Performance and are now enjoying their sparkling new careers.

Sophie is at Disneyland Paris where she is playing Ariel in The Little Mermaid, while Kanika has joined Ballet Black based at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden.

The girls went to Sir Robert Hitcham Primary School in Framlingham and then Thomas Mills High School in the town.

They began their ballet training at the Saxtead School of Dance, which is run by Sophie’s mum, Sandra, and were also Suffolk ballet scholars at DanceEast.

Kanika, who has an apprenticeship contract with Ballet Black until July next year, said: “It is really exciting. I knew it was going to be a big change from being a student to working with people who have been professional dancers far longer than I have. It’s great to learn from them. So far it has been amazing.”

Sophie has a contract with Disney until January next year and last night her proud mum said she was enjoying her time in Paris immensely.

“It is a great first job and she is having a wonderful time,” she said. “She does professional ballet classes on her days off and Disney also give them a lot of training to keep them in shape.

“It is fantastic experience and she is gaining in confidence all the time.”