ONE of Scotland's brightest young dance talents is seeking sponsorship as he prepares to begin a three-year term at one of the world's leading ballet schools.

Scott McKenzie, 15, from Dumbarton, who made his name as one of the stars of the West End stage hit Billy Elliot: The Musical, successfully auditioned earlier this year for the Royal Ballet School's Upper School in Covent Garden, London.

The teenager and his parents, Jane and Peter, are hoping to attract sponsors who could contribute towards an estimated £7000 needed to cover fees and boarding.

Scott, who turns 16 next month, graduated from the Lower School, in Richmond, Surrey, on Saturday and is due to start his new, full-time term in September.

He said: "I fell in love with dancing at an early age because I loved being on stage and being able to show people what I could do. Performing is my main forte.

"Being in London is great – it's a chance to be away from home and maybe be more independent than most 15-year-olds."

Scott added: "I was one of the boys who took turns to play Billy Elliot at the Victoria Palace Theatre.

"I did that for a year until September 2011. It was an amazing experience. The whole audition process took about two years by the time I got on stage, but it was really worth it. The audiences loved it, and I did as well."

Just as in Billy Elliot, Scott's father was initially not keen on him taking up ballet. "But then Billy went to the Royal Ballet School," said Scott, "which I've done. So it has all worked out in the end."

Scott is currently living in a boarding house in London and has to provide his own food and uniform, as well as travel costs between there and the family home.

Scott's mother Jane said: "We need £7000 towards fees and boarding for Scott. Last year we had to find about £10,000 once we added on such things as Scott's uniform and travel expenses.

"We'd be grateful for any help whatsoever. Last year, a friend who runs a business gave us some sponsorship, and family and other friends helped with the rest."

Speaking about her son's talent, she added: "Dancing doesn't run in our family at all. We've accepted the fact he won't be home now, apart from holidays. He has made a life for himself in London.

"Royal Ballet have an excellent track record of getting students into other companies. We're very proud of him. Considering his age, and the fact he has been away from home since he was 12, he has done terrifically well. He has a very good head on his shoulders."

Among the 87-year-old ballet school's graduates are such notables as Darcey Bussell, Dame Margot Fonteyn, Sir Kenneth MacMillan and Ashley Page.

In his first two years at the Upper School, Scott plans to study classical ballet, stagecraft and body conditioning, with the final year devoted to giving him performance experience.

Asked for his long-term ambition, Scott said: "I'd love to play the role of Romeo at the Royal Ballet, or just to dance for any of the big companies around the world."

l Anyone wishing to offer assistance to Scott can email him at scottmckenzie97@hotmail.co.uk