A PAIR of teenaged ballet dancers are celebrating after passing one of the toughest exams in the discipline on the first attempt.

Krystal James and Amelia Morgan, of Wordsley’s The Gwynn School of Stage and Ballet Dancing, both passed their Grade 6 Imperial Classic Ballet from the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) – the final exam before dancers move onto professional qualifications.

Taking the duo 18 months to complete, the final test saw them perform in front of examiners for an hour, completing a combination of any movements contained in the ISTD syllabus – as well as having knowledge of the French terms used.

Teacher Olga Gwynn, who has been running the dance school in Kingswinford and Wordsley for more than 50 years, said she could not be prouder of the girls.

“You have to be sure they will be able to take them as they are very, very hard,” she said. “But for both of my girls to get through them first time is wonderful – most people have to take them a few times before they pass because they are that tough.

“I’m very proud of the effort and hard work they have both put in. I’m very hard on them, but hopefully by passing first time they will understand why.”

Krystal, aged 15, and 14-year-old Amelia were awarded their certificates at a special event at Wordsley Community Centre, where the school meets every Wednesday.