Mike, whose real name is Li Shilong, told reporters: "She immediately impressed me."

"During her performance I saw a light in her eyes ... It was the kind of light that shows a real passion, a real drive for dance and for art.

"I felt that this girl might have been born for breaking."

Royal has now put school on hold to dedicate her time entirely to dancing.

Like other top athletes in China, she will benefit from easier access to university thanks to her sporting achievements.

Royal describes herself as "not very talkative" and still "pretty nervous before competitions", but says she is able to "open up" on stage.