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B.C. ballet prodigy to take the stage at prestigious New York competition

WATCH: A young ballerina heading to one of the biggest ballet competitions in the world is facing a hefty price tag for the next part of her dream. Kylie Stanton reports.

She may be just 13 years old, but Sasha Beardmore of Victoria has already spent countless hours in the studio to become a promising young dancer in the disciplined world of ballet.

“You’re supposed to make it look effortless, but certainly a lot of work goes into making it look that way,” says Beardmore, who trains 20 hours a week at Victoria’s Pacific Dance Centre.

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The hard work is starting to pay off.

In January, Beardmore beat out nearly 140 competitors to win the junior division at the regional Youth America Grand Prix, one of the most prestigious competitions in the ballet world.

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In April, Beardmore will compete in the Youth America Grand Prix finals at New York’s Lincoln Center.

The pressure is huge and so is the cost. Beardmore and her family are hoping to raise $5,000 for her training and development ahead of the competition. Pacific Dance Centre held a fundraising concert for her over the weekend.

She is looking forward to the competition.

“I really like being in that atmosphere where everyone is so determined and dedicated,” she says.

-with files from Kylie Stanton

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