A teenage dancer has won a prestigious contract with one of the world’s top ballet companies.

And now Max Maslen cannot wait to get started with the Birmingham Royal Ballet (BRB) after securing his 12-month deal before even finishing his training at the Central School of Ballet (CSB) in London.

The 18-year-old from Ilkley is currently on a nationwide tour with CSB before he starts his contract at the end of March.

He is also due to graduate with a BA (Hons) in professional dance and performance this summers.

“I am thrilled to be selected by such a prestigious ballet company as BRB. Professional dance training at the top level as offered by CSB is tough, very competitive and hugely demanding physically, but wonderful too,” said Mr Maslen, a former pupil at the Nydza School of Dance & Performing Arts in Bradford, who gained a coveted place at CSB following auditions alongside over 400 other applicants.

“CSB have been enormously supportive and have worked so hard to help me achieve my first professional contract.

“I can’t wait to start at BRB but I am also excited about performing in Yorkshire and at other locations with Ballet Central before I graduate in July.”

Mr Maslen will return to his home county next month, with CSB, to perform at the Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre, in Leeds, on Saturday, April 28.

Sara Matthew, director of CSB, praised Mr Maslen’s efforts in earning a BRB contract.

“Joining a company of such international renown is a wonderful opportunity for Max,” she said.

“To have reached a professional standard before the completion of his course is a huge achievement.

“In joining Birmingham Royal Ballet Max continues a long history of CSB graduates that have gained jobs with top national and international ballet companies, reflecting the excellence of the teaching faculty here at CSB. We wish him all the best for the future.”