Sam cracks it

Despite receiving daily treatment for cystic fibrosis, 10-year-old Sam Forster won a place with the English Youth Ballet and has appeared in its version of The Nutcracker. He was inspired to take up dancing at the age of three, by the cartoon Angelina Ballerina. Sam backed last month’s Cystic Fibrosis Trust’s Dance for CF fundraising week. Now we find out what he would do with the keys to Number Ten

What inspired you to start dancing?
I started watching Angelina Ballerina when I was three years old and loved it.

What do you most like about dancing?
The shows. I dance with the English Youth Ballet and was recently in The Nutcracker. I like the shows more than the practice because by then I know all the moves.

And what do you not like about it?
Nothing. I love every minute.

What does being in the English Youth Ballet mean to you?
The world. I was delighted when I got in. I didn’t think I had done very well. It was very nerve-wracking.

Do you have any hidden talent apart from dancing?
Football and cricket. I play cricket in the summer and football in the winter.

Do you get teased about dancing by other children?
No. My friends think my dancing is great.

What makes you angry?
Cystic fibrosis (CF) – it’s annoying. Sometimes, when I’m playing upstairs and having a great time, my mum calls me down for physio.

What would make your life as a disabled person easier?
A cure for CF. But dancing really helps my breathing.

What would you do if you were Prime Minister?
I would give money for a cure for CF, and to other charities, like cancer charities, so we could all have a happy life.

What would be your ideal job?
I would love to be a ballet dancer in big shows like Billy Elliot. It would mean I could get paid to do something I love.

If you could be a cartoon character, which one would you be?
Spongebob Squarepants. I watch him every day because he’s funny.

How do you spend your time when you’re not dancing?
Playing football and cricket. I also play the piano, but I prefer dancing!