AN ice dancer is heading to the States in a bid for Olympic stardom.

And Jamie Burns, 20, of Merchants Landing, Blackburn, is set to find himself in demand - from American women.

There is a shortage of male dancers in the sport, which is a form of figure skating, in the US.

Already Jamie, who trains at Blackburn Ice Arena, has lined up auditions with six dancers who are hoping to be his partner.

Jamie, ranked third in the UK, headed out to America yesterday to boost his dream of competing in the 2010 Winter Olympics.

He is travelling to Blaine, Minnesota, to train with top coaches and former UK ice dancing champions Pam O'Connor and Jonathon O'Dougherty, who have relocated there because of its world-class skating facilities.

Jamie, originally from Leyland, moved to Blackburn a year ago to be close to the town's ice rink, where he trained six days a week. He also works in the skate shop to pay living costs.

During his two-year A-level course in performing arts, politics, PE and dance at Blackburn College, he trained before and after lessons every day, and received an outstanding achievement in Dance award from the college. He also won bronze in his first British Senior Ice Dance Championships this year.

Jamie said: "I've done well so far but I've come as far as I can here now. I've decided to relocate permanently to the States if possible. The coaching and facilities at Blaine are superior to anything we have here and the sport has a much higher profile than here. It will allow me to train at the next level.

"I will also coach younger pupils there to help fund my training but, as ice dancing is an expensive sport, I'm hoping to find sponsorship from home."

His decision to leave means he has had to part from his long-term dance partner in Blackburn, Nicola Trippick.

Jamie said: "It's a tough decision to leave my family and friends but moving there is the best way for me to realise my goals."

Karen Barber, head of coaching at Blackburn Ice Arena, said Jamie was the latest talented young male dancers to transfer to the States.

Former British champion Karen, also known as a judge on hit BBC1 TV show Dancing on Ice, said: "I know of four or five male dancers who have gone to America because the financial support is greater.

"There is always a shortage of male dancers because more girls than boys go into skating.

"It's a shame we are losing dancers like Jamie but I understand he's doing what's best for his future."