Perth dancer vies for top award

When three-year-old Imogen Chapman stepped into a Kelmscott hall, ballet teacher Catherine Kalajzich noticed unique talent.

"She was just so musical and so focused already, she knew what she wanted," she said. "It's very rare in all the girls that I have taught."

As the bubbly pre-schooler tried to copy her older sister, Ms Kalajzich recalls being awed by her natural flair.

Now aged 21, the Australian Ballet member has again attracted attention from her peers after being announced as one of six finalists in the Telstra Ballet Dancer Award.

The $20,000 award has propelled many winners to positions as principal artists.

The winner will be announced in November.