An 18-year-old fashion college student will make her stage debut as a dancer in Michael Flatley's 'Feet of Flames' show.

Jodie Farrell from Bexley is currently quarantined in Taipei, Taiwan ahead of her very first professional performance in front of 13,000 in early February.

Jodie spoke to us from the quarantine hotel in Taipei

Jodie has been dancing for 10 years and trains with the Claddagh Academy of Irish Dancing which holds classes in Hextable at the Howard Venue and Greenwich and trains two to three times a week.

She is currently ranked third in the southern region of England in the competitive circuit, but this is the very first time she has been cast in a touring production.

She said: "I actually auditioned for the tour in 2020 when they did the first tour, but unfortunately, even though I got through, I wasn't able to perform because I wasn't 18 yet.

"So, because I wasn't able to go last year, I didn't have to re-audition and I could come this year."

This is the first time Jodie has travelled outside of the UK since the start of the pandemic.

She added: "It was strange getting back on a plane again - I hadn't been on a plane since probably two years ago now.

"So it's weird travelling with the masks on and keeping them on for so long.

"We had a four hour flight to Turkey and then a 10 hour flight here.

"It was tiring but definitely worth it."

The troupe, led by James Keegan, are having to adapt to the unusual circumstances and are learning the entire production via Zoom.

For a first-timer like Jodie, this is completely unheard of.

Jodie said: "This is my first time on a tour, so I don't actually know what it would be like to learn a performance in person.

"But I think we're doing as well as we can with what we've got. We try and keep really active.

"We have some Zoom rehearsals to learn dances and then I try and keep my fitness up by doing little workouts here and there and stretching a lot."

Jodie hopes that she can be an inspiration and role model for younger dancers at the Claddagh Academy and beyond.

Her younger sister, 14-year-old Fern, has been crowned American National Champion and will no doubt follow in the footsteps of her sister.

Hannah Mahon, aged nine, is another Irish dancing sensation from Greenhithe and won multiple international titles last year.

Jodie explained: "It's just amazing to think that you have these other children in the class looking up to you.

"I'd love to teach once I'm old enough and so to be able to say that I've done this tour would be really inspirational to them."

Her teachers at the Claddagh Academy said: "It is so rewarding to see Jodie head off on this journey after years of hard work and dedication.

"Jodie has been an incredible asset to our class and continues to be an amazing role model for our younger generation of dancers.

"We are so proud of you Jodie!"

Jodie responded: "My teachers are amazing and so supportive and I could not be where I am today without them."

As she looks ahead to the first performance at the Taipei Arena on Saturday, February 5, Jodie is feeling mostly excited for the opportunity ahead.

She explained: "I'm just really looking forward to performing in front of a live audience and actually being in the show that I've seen so many times before.

"It sounds very cheesy but it's really like a dream come true.

Irish dancing is an unexpected phenomenon in Asia, with performers often saying that they are the best crowds with the most enthusiasm and loyal fans.

Some dance schools have now been set up in east Asia to try and grow the tradition overseas.

The short arena tour will travel across Taiwan to sell-out audiences.