A dancer will take another step towards her dream career when she represents her country for the fourth time.
Ayla Payton is travelling to Spain with the aim of lifting the Global Dance Open trophy once again.
The nine-year-old has qualified to represent England in the ballet and contemporary categories for her age group at the event in San Sebastián.
Ayla Payton will represent England at the Global Dance Open. Photo: submitted
She first qualified for the competition in 2023 and has competed every year since then, with a string of medals to her name.
This year Ayla will perform a ballet routine to Le Corsaire Medora and a contemporary piece to Hit The Road Jack.
Thousands of dancers are taking part in the competition, with around 30 children in each of Ayla’s categories.
Ayla Payton will represent England at the Global Dance Open. Photo: submitted
Her mum Tracey Burke said: “She’s getting stronger and stronger.
“Ayla dances four times a week and is always practising. We give her a choice at the weekend of what she would like to do – swimming or going to the park – but she always chooses dance.
“It’s a big commitment for all of us but she works so hard. She would love to be a professional dancer.”
Last year’s competition took place in England so the family are looking forward to the sunnier climes of Spain this time around when Ayla takes to the stage on July 15.
Ayla Payton will represent England at the Global Dance Open. Photo: submitted
Tracey added: “She is so proud to be representing England again.”
Ayla is a pupils at St George’s Primary School in Stamford and trains at the Hebden School of Dance in Peterborough.
She has been sponsored by construction company 7formation for this trip.
Her recent successes include being named the overall winner at the Astonish Dance Festival and winning four gold medals and a rising star trophy at Do It Dance in January.
Ayla also won the head judge’s choice award at Starz UK, three gold medals at the National Finals, six gold medals at Three Counties Dance Festival and four gold medals at Colsterworth Arts Festival.