Nomi McLeod hopes to climb to the top of the aerial dance profession with a display of her performance skills.

The 27-year-old Jericho resident, pictured, is preparing a gruelling routine for the Dancin’ Oxford festival in February and March.

She will be among festival performers seeking feedback on routines at the First Stage: Dance Scratch show at the Pegasus Theatre, East Oxford, next week.

Nomi, a masters student in gender and sexuality at the University of Sussex, began aerial dance two years ago and hopes to turn professional.

She said: “I am much stronger, my body has completely changed shape.

“I love the physical strength of it and it is very meditative because when you are on the rope you are focused on the rope.”

The performance will take place at the Magdalen Road theatre at 7.30pm next Friday.

For tickets call 01865 812150. The month-long festival begins on February 18.