AN ASPIRING young dancer from Stonehouse has received mentoring and advice from top American choreographers who have worked with pop icons Justin Bieber and Britney Spears.

Former Maidenhill School pupil Jaye Marshall attended a week-long dance camp in Denbigh, North Wales, last month where she was given tips and training from some of the biggest names in the business.

The experience capped an amazing summer for the 23-year-old, who also performed in the Olympics opening ceremony in July.

Organised by Sunshine Dance Studios and the company’s associate Soar UK, the camp’s tutors included five world-class dance choreographers from the United States and a dance master known simply as Jian.

Together they have worked with a galaxy of stars including Justin Timberlake, Jennifer Lopez, the Pussycat Dolls and Usher.

"I have just graduated from the University of East London in dance urban practice and so I was asked to take part in the opening ceremony of London 2012," said Jaye.

"I was in the part where the different styles of music and dance went through a huge house they had created in the centre of the arena.

"It was my first job as a professional dancer so I will never forget it, especially dancing in front of an audience of 80,000 people."

The dance camp in Wales involved an intense programme of instruction in different dance styles including street and hip-hop.

Over 120 youngsters aged between 12 and 26 from across the UK took part and Jaye described it as a ‘wonderful opportunity’.

"Taking part in the dance summer camp with so many talented choreographers has been quite an experience and I’ve loved it just as much as the Olympics.

"Everyone was working off the same page and just wanted to learn as much as they could from the professionals. It was truly memorable."