A SCOTS dancer is trading life on the small stage for the bright lights of Bollywood as she lands a movie contract in India.
Lisa Aytoun, 22, is taking a break from her job at Musselburgh Sports Centre in East Lothian to work with some of India’s biggest names.
The Port Seaton girl earned her big break after sending off a show reel to Bollywood executives having missed auditions in London.
And the next day she was offered a six-month stint.
She said:
“It was a very scary thought, living in India without knowing anyone.
“We work almost every day and it’s very long hours but it’s worth it. The best thing about the job is the variety, I never do the same thing twice.
“When we get days off, I can see more of India and it’s like a totally different world. “
As well as appearing in Bollywood films, Lisa is contracted to work in music videos, adverts, modelling, acting and stage shows.
She added:
“I am loving it here in India, I would definitely come back but when I get home I would like to try something different like the West End or cruise ships.
“I don’t like to plan too much as you never know what’s around the corner. In the meantime, I’ll carry on teaching gymnastics and dancing, which I love. “
Lisa trained as a gymnast, which she started when she was four-years-old.
She graduated from a three-year course at Edinburgh’s Dance for All theatre school and went on to perform at the MOBO Awards alongside Alexandra Burke and Lemar.
She also competed at the European Gymnastic Championships in Sweden.
Gary Dinwoodie, one of Lisa’s former colleagues at Musselburgh Sports Centre, said:
“Lisa is a very committed individual who puts a lot of effort into the gymnastic classes.
“She has very successful classes within Enjoyleisure and this is down to her excellent rapport with the children. “
Sam Langstaff, a senior coach at Midlothian Team Gym where Lisa trained, said:
“When she coached, her passion for gymnastics and teaching never failed to show.
“The club are very proud of Lisa’s achievements in dance, we knew that she would be snapped up for contracts due to her unique style and ability to perform. “
