Dansarena's Ayrshire stars step into the spotlight

Aug 8 2008 by Yonnie McInnes

AN exciting new session is about to start at Dansarena Studios, Ayr, and its branch schools in Kilmarnock, Troon, Prestwick and Girvan.

Over the years the school has produced many fine young dancers, some of whom have gone on to make the world of dance their profession.

Dansarena Studios and branch school teachers were delighted at the excellent exam results achieved by all of their students throughout the last year.

Karen Mitchell, Principal of Dansarena Studios, Ayr said: “Katie Wiseman’s introduction of pre-school dance classes, for two-and-a-half year olds to those aged five, has been very popular with all classes having a waiting list.

“Kerry Bolland’s R.A.D. Vocational Ballet Classes have also been very productive and many students have successfully taken their professional examinations.

“Sharon Hollywood has made a magnificent contribution with her choreography in the Vocational Jazz classes. She has also prepared audition pieces for the Dansarena candidates applying for places in Vocational Dance Colleges.

“Heather Rennie’s ISTD Tap and Nicola Charlesworth’s Modern candidates did wonderfully well in their recent exams with all pupils gaining ‘A’ or ‘B’ results.

“Kristen Mason’s R.A.D. Ballet Grade results were also splendid with all students awarded either Distinction of Merit certificates.

“Jacquii Gavigan’s Musical Theatre Classes have broadened Dansarena’s curriculum and given students the opportunity to sing and act as well as dance. She has also coached the Audition Monologues for the Vocation College entrants.

“Rachael Bradbuy, Laura Ferguson, and Alison Reid, were joint winners of the James Mitchell Scholarship for Dansarena students with a total of £2,250 divided equally among them.

“The three were all successful in gaining coveted places in Vocational Colleges to study dance to Diploma level.

“Dansarena pupils again achieved several first places at the Regional Festival4Stars competition in Glasgow.

“Ashton McTear won the 2007 Grade 4/5 trophy for Ballet at the R.A.D. Scottish Regional Junior Awards Competition.

“While Nicole Bryden, Charlie Fisher, Niamh Gormley, Joanna Hart, Lauren Kerr, Lauren Rennie, and Erin Telford all recently gained places in Scottish Ballet’s Junior Associates scheme.”