My name is James Platts and I'm 12 years old. I've always loved dance and drama.

I auditioned for a place in 'Oliver' at The Curve Theatre in Leicester when I was 9 years old. I got through the singing round and got my first ever call back but unfortunately I didn't pass the dancing part, so I decided I would take it in my stride and use it as a learning point. I wanted to learn to dance.

I attended Linda Williams Academy Of Performing Arts and after doing a few classes I fell in love with ballet.

After 2 long years of going to dance in the evenings and having private lessons right up to the last minute, trying to catch up with everyone one else that had already been dancing since they were toddlers, I was asked to go to an open class at Tring Park School For The Performing Arts. To my amazement I was offered a full time boarding place and a Music And Dance Award Scholarship.

The Scholarship does fund most of my fees however there is still some left. After one of the most physically and emotionally challenging years of my life, and being away from home and the people I love most, I think I have grown so much stronger. My desire to be the best and work the hardest gets bigger and bigger.

My family are extremely supportive and have helped me through my challenging journey. However, if you could donate, whether it be big or small, it would mean the world to me, to help with my training and live my dream. The dream of becoming a professional in this extremely tough business.

James Platts