mmg.com.au

Rachel Whelan is well on her way to achieving her dream of dancing professionally after being accepted into Dance World in Melbourne.

The 18-year-old, who has been dancing since she was three, undertook six auditions for dance schools and universities during her final year of school at Echuca College, which she completed on Tuesday.

She was offered four courses at dance schools in Melbourne and Queensland, and her choice to accept the Elite Performance of Classical Ballet at Dance World was difficult, despite it being her first choice.

Miss Whelan said she was looking forward to beginning the two-year course next year.

‘‘It was just a big decision,’’ Miss Whelan said.

‘‘I’m very excited.’’

Miss Whelan hopes to one day join a professional dance company and perform classical ballet.

Ballet teacher Jodie Joyce said Miss Whelan had a beautiful ballet technique.

‘‘With full-time training, she’ll be an amazing technical dancer,’’ Miss Joyce said.

Before she leaves, Miss Whelan will complete her final role with Suzanne’s School of Dance, as Juliet in this weekend’s dance production of Romeo and Juliet.

It is not the first time Miss Whelan has danced the lead role in a production—she also played Odette in last year’s Swan Lake and Aurora in 2010’s Sleeping Beauty.