A YORK teenager’s hopes of a stage career have taken a leap forward after she won a place at the Northern Ballet – for the second time.

Alice Boddy, 18, had to turn down her first offer from the leading company last year because she had not finished her A-Levels.

But she impressed the audition panel again – and got a second chance.

Alice is one of the stars of the Patricia Veale School of Dance, based at The Regent Buildings in York Road, Acomb.

Alice, of Acomb, was offered a place at the top Leeds-based academy last year, but wanted to sit her A-Levels first.

So she re-auditioned and was offered a place again, starting in September.

Kelly Clarey, director of the Penny Veale School, which was founded by her mother, said: “There are thousands and thousands of dancers out there all wanting the same thing. So you have to be very, very good to be offered a place. That she has been accepted by a very, very established school will enhance her career. She would not have auditioned if she did not want to be a professional.”