ALUMNI
Read all about our amazing Danscentre alumni. Watch this space for more alumni still to be added!
ANGELA TOWLER
1987 - 1992
Angela began training at Danscentre in 1987, before moving on to study dance at the London Contemporary Dance School. She graduated from there in 1995 with a First Class BA (Hons) degree. She then joined Richard Alston Dance Company until 1999 before moving on to join Rambert. She has danced and created many leading roles for top national and international choreographers, including Christopher Bruce, Wayne McGregor, Jiri Kylian, Mats Ek, Merce Cunningham and Michael Clark. In 2007, Angela was nominated for a TMA award for Achievement in Dance, and was voted 25th in the Scottish List’s ‘Top 100 most influential Scots’ in the same year. Angela has choreographed three works which entered the Rambert repertoire, as well as choreography for BBC3 and ITV. In 2011, she choreographed The Wella ITVA Awards, New York. In the same year, she was nominated for the CriticsCircle National Dance Award for Outstanding Female Performance (Modern). Angela was Rehearsal Director at Rambert until 2019, and is now currently a Contemporary Teacher at the Royal Ballet School.
LAURA MAIN
1987 - 1994
Angela began training at Danscentre in 1987, before moving on to study dance at the London Contemporary Dance School. She graduated from there in 1995 with a First Class BA (Hons) degree. She then joined Richard Alston Dance Company until 1999 before moving on to join Rambert. She has danced and created many leading roles for top national and international choreographers, including Christopher Bruce, Wayne McGregor, Jiri Kylian, Mats Ek, Merce Cunningham and Michael Clark. In 2007, Angela was nominated for a TMA award for Achievement in Dance, and was voted 25th in the Scottish List’s ‘Top 100 most influential Scots’ in the same year. Angela has choreographed three works which entered the Rambert repertoire, as well as choreography for BBC3 and ITV. In 2011, she choreographed The Wella ITVA Awards, New York. In the same year, she was nominated for the CriticsCircle National Dance Award for Outstanding Female Performance (Modern). Angela was Rehearsal Director at Rambert until 2019, and is now currently a Contemporary Teacher at the Royal Ballet School.
LAURA BUCHANAN
1988 - 1996
RAD Registered teacher, Certificate of Higher Education: Dance Teaching, AISTD (MTB)
Laura trained in Aberdeen with Karen Berry School of Dance before studying for three years at Stella Mann College of Performing Arts in London, graduating in 1999. Laura then danced professionally abroad for Rios Productions in Korea and Jose Montes in Portugal amongst others before settling back in Aberdeen and founding Flashdance in 2004.
Laura then gained teaching qualifications with the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) and Imperial Society for Teachers of Dance (ISTD) and enjoys nothing more than continuing her learning on regular and diverse courses, including becoming an Acrobatic Arts instructor in 2016. Lura is now the principal of Flashdance School, and the development of Flashdance and each individual pupil is always at the forefront of Laura’s mind and actions as the school continues to grow and evolve.
KIRSTY BLACK
1987 - 2002
Kirsty's love of dance started when she enrolled at Miss Berry's School of Dance in 1987! Kirsty then trained at London Studio Centre where she acheived a BA Hons in Theatre Dance. During her third year of training Kirsty toured with 'The Jazz Dance Company' and performed the 'Cha Cha Slide' by DJ Casper on the BBC's 'Top of the Pops'. Kirsty joined 'The WOW Show' at the Royal Garden Theatre in Eilat, Israel for 3 years where she danced a range of genres including irish step, ballroom, can-can, jazz and performed in soloist roles. Kirsty then went onto cruising the Mediterranean for a summer season with MSC Cruises. Working under DGM Arts Events, Kirsty danced in 7 shows and was also the Magicians Assistant. On returning to Israel, Kirsty was a dancer on the National Tour of 'Festigal' and danced for the 'Festigal' Presentation aired on HOT VOD at Herzalia Television Studios. Kirsty was also a featured dancer on the music video for the soundtrack of 'Festigal'. Kirsty continued on to modelling and presenting with Fashion TV. Where she made several promotional videos and also performed at Live events. In May 2012, Kirsty worked for 'Moore Entertainment' at Benidorm Palace, Spain. She completed 2 contracts with 'Glamour' and 'Surreal' learning new dance techniques - Spanish Classical and Flemenco Dance. Kirsty performed in the 'Crazy Paris Show' at the Grand Lisboa Casino in Macau and most recently worked for Jack Dolles 'Dolly Dollies' in the show 'Folies de Paris' at the Korona and Perla Casino's in Slovenia. Kirsty has now returned home and settled in Westhill. Her 5 year old daughter, Morgan, is now attending Danscentre in Westhill.
FIONA SKENE
DC Pupil: 1991 - 2002. DC Teacher: 2007 - 2013
BA (Hons) Dance Theatre, RAD (CBTS), ISTD (CDE)
Fiona was a pupil at Danscentre from 1991 until 2002. She then trained at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London graduating with a First Class BA (Hons) in Dance Theatre in 2005. Upon graduation, she travelled throughout Australia, and taught dance in Melbourne. Fiona returned to Aberdeen to take up a position at Danscentre, where she taught all levels and dance genres, including teaching and assessing Higher Dance and other SQA courses. This period also involved being a member of the worldwide team of teachers trialling the new RAD syllabi, as well as running the school’s Performance Group, organising RAD exams and mentoring trainee teachers. In 2013 Fiona moved to Edinburgh, where she has enjoyed teaching for a number of dance schools, mostly working with vocational students, teaching ballet, contemporary and jazz, including full time students at Morningside Advanced Training. Fiona runs the Vocational Ballet scheme at Monument Dance Centre, as well as their Contemporary Dance classes. She also continues to deliver and co-ordinate the SQA Dance courses at Monument, from NPA to NC level, as well as working as a Visiting Assessor for National 5 and Higher. In addition to teaching, Fiona works for the RAD as a Practical Teaching Supervisor, assessing trainee teachers on the RAD’s certificate and diploma programmes. Further professional development has led to qualifications to teach Progressing Ballet Technique, RAD Silver Swans classes and Zumba instruction.
GEORGE ADAMS
2000 - 2003
George was born in Glasgow and, after his time at Danscentre, went on to study at the Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance. After graduating he went on to work as a performer and choreographer in the UK and Europe. George teaches Dance, Yoga and Pilates and is passionate about inclusive education. Since 2010 George has been mentoring and training dancers with specific needs alongside Helen Gould George Co-established LPM Dance, an arts organisation that brings dance to diverse groups within the community
RUTH EATON
1990 - 2005
After leaving Danscentre in 2005, Ruth went on to study a BA (Hons) at London Studio Centre.
SUZANNE HAMILTON
1988 - 2005
RAD TC Dip, ISTD Dip MTB RAD CBTS Tutor/Mentor
Suzanne started dancing at the age of 3. She trained in all disciplines of dance and during her dance career she has performed in many dance shows, musical theatre shows from a young age. She has also choreographed numerous local and professional theatre productions ranging from AYMT shows to professional theatre productions. Once completing all of her dance exams she trained as a teacher to gain the RAD and ISTD qualifications. After qualifying she then headed off to New York USA to further her dance training at the prestigious Alvin Ailey American School of Dance. This then lead to some performance work and afterwards a move to Canada where she worked as a teacher/choreographer for a year. Once returning to Aberdeen she began to further her teaching qualifications and became a freelance teacher of all disciplines of dance for all ages throughout Aberdeen in many dance schools. She has gone on to choreograph a variety of Pantomime productions for Trap4 over the years. Suzanne has worked for Danscentre as Assistant Principal, City Moves Dancespace, David Lloyd, JJB Sports Gym, and had her own Pilates business in Aberdeen. Suzanne is frequently on the board as a member, to the RAD Scottish Committee, which then led her to being appointed as a Mentor, Tutor for the RAD CBTS Worldwide Programme.
ROBYN PARK
DC Pupil: 1988 - 2006, DC Teacher: 2007 - 2012
RAD (RTS), ISTD FDI Modern
Robyn was a Danscentre pupil from 1988 – 2006. Since then she has gained her RAD RTS registered teacher and ISTD FDI Modern teaching qualifications and has taught at Danscentre (2007 – 2012), Flashdance and Evolution. Robyn then gained her postgraduate diploma in Interior Design from the British Academy of Interior Design, and now has her own Interior Design business ‘Robyn Park Interiors’ since 2019.
ADELE SMITH
1991 - 2007
After leaving Danscentre in 2007, Adele went on to study at the Royal Academy of Dance London, earning BA (Hons) Dance Education. She now runs her own dance school in Chichester.
RUAIRIDH DUGUID
1996 - 2007
Ruairidh started his dancing career back at the age of nine, step ball changing, in Craigiebuckler church hall. Danscentre was his world and still to this day owes a tremendous amount to the teachers and staff there. It was his teenage years spent there, that catapulted him in to Doreen Bird College - graduating with a Degree in Dance and Theatre Performance. He was also was presented with the most dedicated student award in his final year (2010). Believing he still had more to learn, he then went on to undertake his Post Graduate Diploma at Royal Academy of Music, winning the Mary Hammond Trophy of Excellence in his graduating year (2011). However Ruairidh could't attend the graduation, as he had already been cast in The Hired Man which went on to win Best Off West End Musical that year in 2011. It wasn't long before Ruairidh landed his big break in Billy Elliot: the Musical where he performed in the show for over 4 years. Highlights included Billy Live (DVD/ Sky Arts) to Billy Elliot's 10th Anniversary. He was then asked to rejoin as a cast member in 2017 for the Billy Elliot UK/ European Tour. Ruairidh recently has had writing/directing debut with a short film titled So What Are We Called? The short has already seen such success including Three Best Comedy Awards and Best Ensemble. It then went to be aired on ShowMe Television, an American Network. This year Ruairidh has just finished his first feature The Reverend and Mrs Simpson, 1950's Post War Drama as a 2nd Unit Director with cast including Julian Glover, Isla Blair and Judith Paris, which will be released later this year.
BROOKLYN ADEBOWALE
1996 - 2007
Brooklyn trained at Danscentre from a young child until she left to pursue full time training at Rambert School of Contemporary Dance. In her time at Danscentre she won numerous awards including the National Modern event The Janet Cram Awards where she won both Best Dancer and the Outstanding Choreography Award.
KATIE ARMSTRONG
2001 - 2007
Katie began her training at Danscentre. She then went on to train at Rambert School, and performed with Rambert Company during her third year. Since graduating, she has worked with companies and artists including Rosie Kay Dance Company, National Theatre Scotland, Company Chordelia, Scottish Opera, for Jack Webb, Simon Fildes/Wyn Pottratz, and for Tai Shani. Katie is currently working with Barrowland Ballet and with Éowyn Emerald and Dancers. She has created work for Manipulate Visual Theatre Festival 2020, for the People’s Post Code Lottery 2020, Dance International Glasgow 2019, for the Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2018, Merchant City Festival 2018 and Hidden Door Festival 2017. Katie is currently being supported by Creative Scotland to choreograph and direct SKETCHES Film Project, in partnership with the Beacon Arts Centre and Platform Theatre.
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PHOTO CREDIT: Eoin Carey
MAXINE HAMILTON
DC Pupil: 2002 - 2007, DC Teacher: 2008 - 2011, 2015 -2017
BA, DipHE, RTS(RAD), DDE(ISTD)
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Maxine pursued a career in dance, achieving a BA Classical Ballet & Dance Performance with Distinction. Following her passion for teaching, she went on to complete a Diploma of Higher Education in Dance Education from the Royal Academy of Dance in 2010 during her time as a student teacher at Danscentre (2008 - 2011). She went on to gain her Registered Teacher Status with the RAD, DDE in ISTD Modern and her certification in Progressing Ballet Technique. Maxine enjoyed a varied career performing in dance and theatre and film productions across the UK (including; The Cone Gatherers - Scottish Tour, Aladdin and Jack & The Beanstalk Pantomimes - Aberdeen Arts Centre, Tempered Body Dance Theatre - England Tour, The Harry Hill Movie) She has taught in dance schools in Aberdeen, London and Melbourne and has experience teaching RAD Ballet, ISTD Modern, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop and Dance Fitness. She has also enjoyed working on a variety of freelance projects including short courses with YDance and Scottish Youth Theatre as Movement Director, choreographing for professional events in London, delivering Educational Movement Workshops for AusDance in Melbourne and was appointed Director of Community Dance for Tempered Body Dance Theatre. Maxine is currently working for Taylor Dance and Academy Street Dance Studio.
RÓISÍN O'BRIEN
1994 - 2008
Róisín attended Danscentre from a very young age up until 2008, when she moved to Edinburgh to study English Literature. She returned to dance in 2014 and retrained at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, earning a Diploma in Dance Studies with Distinction. Since graduating, she has been working as a freelance dance critic and choreographer in Scotland. She has been published in dance-specific and national publications, and works closely with European dance organisation Aerowaves and its related publication, Springback Magazine. Her choreography has been shown at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Resolution in London, and DanceLive in Aberdeen. In 2020, she was the Dance Development Manager for Citymoves’ DanceLive Festival, and in 2021 was named as one of the creatives in The Lyceum’s Artist Attachment scheme in Edinburgh.
AMY ROBERTSON
1997 - 2009
After leaving Danscentre in 2009, Amy went on to study a BA (Hons) at London Studio Centre.
KEITH LOW
1998 - 2010
After leaving Danscentre in 2010, Keith became a professional dancer.
LEWIS SEIVWRIGHT
1998 - 2010
After leaving Danscentre in 2010, Lewis went on to study at Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance.
GORDON RAEBURN
2004 - 2010
After leaving Danscentre, Gordon went on to study at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance.
ROBERT NOBLE
2005 - 2010
Robert graduated from Rambert School in 2013. Upon graduating he worked with touring ballet company Ballet Theatre UK. Robert performed in lots of productions over his two and a half years with the company, including Swan Lake, A Christmas Carol, Snow Queen and Pinocchio. After leaving Ballet Theatre UK in 2016, he returned to London to work as a freelance dancer, artist, and choreographer. Credits include - Birds of Paradise (fashion Film), Eclipse (short film), Been so Long (feature film), Sonder (Short film), and Silent Meat (Play). In 2018, Robert co-founded Haus Of Bam Bam, a nightlife collective, who produces events in the London nightlife circuit. These include the cabaret show Wham Bam Bam, drag brunches at the The Post Bar and hosts club nights such as Trash Chic. Most recently he choreographed and featured in Real Lies Music Video Oh, Me, Oh My alongside fellow Danscentre alumni Gordon Raeburn.
DOUGLAS MOIR
DC Pupil: 2005 - 2010, DC Teacher 2015-2021
BA (Hons) Dance And Musical Theatre Performance
RAD (RTS), ISTD (DDE)
Douglas trained at Danscentre before studying at Bird College in London where he graduated in 2013 with a BA (Hons) in Dance and Musical Theatre Performance. Douglas worked as a freelance dancer in London before returning to Aberdeen to retrain with The Royal Academy of Dance for a certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies and recently completed the diploma in Dance Instruction with the ISTD. Douglas taught with us at Danscentre from 2015 to 2021.
GILLIAN AULD
2005 - 2010
Gillian started dancing age 18 months old studying ISTD Ballet, Tap, Modern & Highland. At 12 years old, Gillian gained a full scholarship at The Dance School of Scotland in Glasgow. Here Gillian was lucky to be taught by many specialist dance teachers from all over the world, performed to Princess Anne, in Annual showcases in the Kings Theatre Glasgow, and won the choreography competition and progress prize, twice in five years. When returning home to Aberdeen age 18, she furthered her dance training by gaining her Advanced Modern, Ballet and Tap examinations. Alongside these vocational dance exams, whilst working for an oil company Gillian taught part time and gained her dance teaching qualifications; DDE Modern & DDI Tap, accredited by the I.S.T.D.. Gillian set up her own business Minimovers Aberdeen where she offered preschool & street dance classes within nurseries and schools during school time. Gillian currently teaches at Academy Street Dance Studio.
SAMANTHA WINGFIELD
2007 - 2010
After leaving Danscentre in 2010, Samantha gained a BA (Hons) at London Studio Centre.
KIRSTY OGSTON
1996 - 2011
Kirsty began her journey with Dance at the age of 3 years old, with Danscentre back in 1996. Kirsty went on to achieve her Diploma in Dance at Northern Ballet School. Kirsty went down the Jazz focus route, where she dived into the world of Musical Theatre, commercial, Fosse and old school Broadway. This led her onto to her career as a Professional Dancer – graduating and heading straight off to sea working on board Costa Cruise Lines as a Theatre Production Dancer. Kirsty had a wonderful 4 and half years performing at sea and working in the Dance industry. Her last job contract onboard was cut short when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. After being stranded on board and at sea, when Kirsty finally arrived back home she decided to pursue another passion of hers in the Fitness Industry and gained her Diploma in Personal Training. Kirsty can't wait to return to the stage one day again, but for now she is incredibly grateful for all of the happy memories and experiences she has had throughout her training and professional years.​
KIRSTEN JOSS
1997 - 2011
After leaving Danscentre in 2011, Kirsten went on to study a BA (Hons) at London Studio Centre.
CHRISSIE GORDON
2008 - 2012
After leaving Danscentre in 2012, Chrissie went on to study at RCS.
BAILEY SHAW
2005 - 2013
After leaving Danscentre in 2013 Bailey moved to London to train at Millennium Performing Arts before completing her Degree in Musical Theatre with The University of Creative Arts. Not long after graduating she was given the opportunity to work a with choreographer Mark Smith as part of Ruthie Henshall’s production company- Three Pin productions. Performing alongside Ruthie in her Kander and Ebb revue. Bailey has been fortunate enough to work with some incredible choreographers for BBC and ITV - working as a resident dancer on “The Nightly Show” in 2016 and filming for 6 months in Oxfordshire for the 1950s BBC drama “Summer of Rockets”. During 2016-2019 she was a part of the London jazz company “Gen-X” with West End performer and drag artist Ian Stroughair. Most recently in 2020 Bailey finished a contract as a “WW2 swing” dancer on an upcoming movie alongside Colin Firth - hopefully being released in cinemas this year. Due to a reoccurring knee injury and the current pandemic she has placed her career in the performing arts world on hold. Bailey is now a Level 4 Personal trainer and strength coach working in the SE and City of London. Bailey hopes to continue performing alongside her fitness career and will always thank Danscentre for all the incredible opportunities and encouragement she received during her 9 years of training.
AMY LONGMUIR
2006 - 2013
Amy was a originally a student at Academy Street Dance Studio and joined Danscentre for further training from 2006-2013. In 2013 they moved to Edinburgh and spent a formative year on the DEBS scheme at Dance Base, mentored by Matthew Hawkins. Amy has been working as a freelance performer and teacher since then, branching out into circus as well as dance. They regularly perform as part of acro/aerial duo ‘Amy and Saya’ and are currently working on a new dance theatre show for young people with Angharad Jones.
MICHELLE ROSE
2009 - 2013
Mich studied at London Studio Centre and gained a First Class Honors Degree in Theatre Dance and awarded the Peter Brinson Achievement in Contemporary, along with a Leverhulme Scholarship. Since graduating in 2016, she has performed professionally and toured throughout the UK and Europe with contemporary dance companies, alongside dancing in music videos and festivals. Being a multidisciplined dance artist, she is heavily inspired by contemporary, music, rhythm and hip hop styles. Mich also uses photography and videography to further explore her artistry alongside dance, using visual art as a tool to create thought provoking work. You can see her work on Instagram: www.instagram.com/roseymich
CLARA COWEN
EILIDH CARTWRIGHT
1994 - 2014
Eilidh started dancing in 1994 (aged 3) and continued her commitment to classes at Danscentre for nearly 20 years, keeping up her training throughout school and university. After graduating from RGU with a pharmacy degree, she decided to go into full time training at the MGA Academy of Performing Arts in Edinburgh joining their one year postgraduate programme. She graduated in 2017 and shortly after secured a contract working for Saga cruises as a production dancer on board the Saga Sapphire. Eilidh has also appeared as a Kit-Kat dancer in a stage production of musical `Cabaret` as well as various corporate events across the country. Now settled back in Aberdeen, she has gone full circle from show girl then back to practicing as a pharmacist at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. She will however always keep dancing, with some of her best memories at Danscentre making friends for life and being taught by the most supportive and experienced teachers she could ever have hoped for.
CLARA COWEN
2002 - 2015
Clara Cowen attended Danscentre from 2002 to 2015. In 2015, aged 17, she moved to London after successfully auditioning for Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, one of the top contemporary dance schools in the UK. During her training at Laban, she was also a member of the National Youth Dance Company of Scotland (NYDCS), travelling from London to Glasgow every month for rehearsals. With NYDCS, she had the opportunity to perform across Scotland, the rest of the UK and internationally to India and Australia. Since graduating, Clara has become a Core Company Artist for Thomas Page Dances and has performed in creative projects such as ‘Found’ for Alison Thomas. In 2019, Clara co-founded the dance theatre company Sliding Doors with Rachel Laird. Their first work Penthouse Hickies made its debut at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2019 to a sold-out audience. Penthouse Hickies has since been performed across both Scotland and England, including Resolution 2020 at The Place. Sliding Doors have been generously supported through residencies at Citymoves, in Aberdeen. Clara additionally works for the hip-hop youth dance organisation Impact Dance, using her creativity and experience of high-quality youth dance as their Marketing & Communications Officer. She is also working on a freelance basis as the Marketing Manager for dance artist Taylor Han.
HARRIS BEATTIE
2009 - 2015
Harris has danced since the age of 7, training at Danscentre, and has now been a dancer with Northern Ballet since 2018. He has performed in a variety of works ranging from Classical Ballets, Contemporary/Neo-classical repertoire and Children’s Ballets. During Harris’s training in 2017 he won the prestigious Gold medal at the Genée International Ballet Competition, along with the Audience choice award and Choreographic prize. In 2015 he won the RAD Phyllis Bedells Bursary. From 2012-2013 Harris played the title role of ‘Billy’ in Billy Elliot the Musical In London’s West End.
COLETTE MURRAY
1995 - 2016
Colette is currently a teacher and Programme Coordinator for Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance.
LUCY COWIE
2003 - 2016
Ex-student Lucy graduated from The Urdang Academy with a First Class BA (Hons) in 2019, gaining representation from Grantham Hazeldine, a boutique agency in London. She has worked as a dancer, singer and voiceover artist across multiple areas of the industry. Dance works include Edgar Wright’s feature film ‘Last Night in Soho (2021)’ and immersive theatre productions with 1920’s vintage troupe ‘The London Bombshells’. During COVID-19, Lucy worked on various film productions, including ‘Fantastic Beasts 3 (2022)’ as a Visual Effect stunt artist. Lucy has very fond memories of Danscentre, where she not only gained excellent dance training, but learnt important life skills and built firm friendships.
MURRAY WILLIAMS
2007 - 2016
Murray is an ex pupil of Danscentre who went on to professionally train at Millenium Performing Arts College in London. Murray completed his training in 2019 achieving the Trinity Diploma in Professional Dance and Musical Theatre. During Murray's final year at college he did various professional jobs which included a run of Guys and Dolls at the Royal Albert Hall. Since graduating Murray has worked for Headliners Theatre Company performing onboard P&O's Arcadia Cruise Ship on a World Tour. During this contract he performed a variety of ten shows which included a range of styles.
KIM FRANCEY
2003 - 2017
Kim is in her final year of training at the Institute of the Arts Barcelona and is expected to graduate with a BA (Hons) degree in Dance, June 2021. She has worked with a range of exceptional, international teachers, artists and choreographers including Sara Colomino and Julia Ehrstrand. Kim was fortunate to be able to perform Ehrstrand’s piece, KoЖa for a live audience in December 2020. Upon graduation, she looks forward to embracing life as a professional dance artist working internationally. Still drawing on the lessons she learned there, Danscentre helped shape Kim into the person and dancer that she is today as well as provided her the opportunity to build lifelong friendships.
MOLLY FORSYTH
2004 - 2017
Ex pupil Molly Forsyth graduated with a First Class BA (Hons) with the Class of 2020 from London Studio Centre. Notoriously known for her role as The Red Queen in Limitless (2017), she decided to specialise in the Jazz Pathway; learning various styles including Technical Jazz, Musical Theatre Jazz, Lyrical Jazz, Contemporary, Ballet, Tap, Sining, Partnering, Commercial & Hip Hop. During the Pandemic, she has continuously kept up with her training both virtually & in a studio (Covid permitted). She has also become a fully qualified Adult Mental Health First Aider, a subject she is really passionate about. She has recently secured a lovely agent at North Artist Management and cannot wait for the industry to get back up & running & to be able to come back to Danscentre & teach the up & coming students.
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HEATHER SMITH
2007 - 2017
Heather started her training at Danscentre in 2007 where she took part across all disciplines as well as continuing highland with The Sinclair School of Highland Dance. In 2018 she completed the foundation course at The Liverpool institute of Performing arts (LIPA). This was an amazing experience and she can’t recommend a Foundation course highly enough, it was the most intense yet fulfilling year. Heather got to experience taking part in the UK reunion tour of FAME in Liverpool as well as meeting Sir Paul McCartney at the Foundation Graduation as he is the founder of LIPA. Heather went on to complete first year of a HND at MGA in Edinburgh, where she gained new skills such as Ariel work, Latin and her first experience of being Swing for the end of year show. Last year Heather decided to re-audition for LIPA, where she successfully gained a place on the BA (Hons) degree course. Heather highly recommends LIPA as an institution, the training, connections and opportunities are outstanding, as well as small year groups which make the entire process so personal.
ALFIE MCPHERSON
2010 - 2018
Alfie joined Danscentre from around 2010 starting with only tap and hip hop, before eventually doing his first ballet class and realising that was where his passion lay. Performing in Matthew Bourne’s Lord of the Flies was an eye opener as the whole cast was male, and as a young boy it showed him that men can dance and should dance! This was definitely the point in time Alfie realised he wanted to dance for a living. Thanks to the amazing teaching at Danscentre Alfie went on to complete both the RAD syllabus in ballet and the ISTD syllabus for Jazz attaining Distinction in both of the final exams. He then applied for places at commercial schools and ballet schools before finally accepting a place at The Central School of Ballet in London. Alfie trained at Central from 2018-2020. Throughout this time he did multiple small performances with the school, and was fortunate enough to be used in a production of Marguerite and Armand at Sadler’s Wells in London. This was an amazing experience being able to dance alongside Alina Cojocaru and Johan Kobborg, and through this he discovered the Hamburg Ballet School and Hamburg Ballet Company. The school seemed to be of a really high standard and the connection to a company attracted Alfie, so he sent in an audition video and was ecstatic when he found out he had been accepted. Alfie decided to move to join the Hamburg Ballet School with the aim to gain more experience and develop further as a dancer. He is currently in his first of two years of training here in Hamburg and is absolutely loving it!
ALEX MULCAHY
- 2019
Currently in his second year studying at Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance.
EMMA READ
- 2019
Emma is currently studying for her HND at The Scottish School of Contemporary Dance (The Space). She has recently finished a collaboration project with videographer and multi media producer Graham Read/PhotoGFX, together they created the work “Liberato de Expression”. Being a member of the National Youth Dance Company of Scotland, they are currently working on a new piece with choreographer Anna Kenrick, to either be a “zoom performance” or an outdoor site responsive piece. As a company they are also looking forward to working with Botis Seva during the summer, and have enjoyed guest choreographer weekends and also the National Youth Dance Wales exchange where the two companies have come together regularly to participate in workshops.
KATIE MCDOUGALL
- 2020
Katie is currently in her first year studying Dance at MGA Academy of Performing Arts in Edinburgh. Recently she has been taking part in four musicals as part of a filmed outdoor project named ' Beyond Broadway': Little Shop of Horrors (as one of the soloists), Hairspray, Beauty and the Beast, and The Greatest Showman.
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SIAN BLACKHALL
- 2020
Currently in her first year of a three year course in Dance and Performing Arts at Morea Performing Arts College Sian is working toward her DDE Modern teaching qualification. She is also learning choreography for the end of year performance.
BETH NICHOLSON
- 2020
After leaving Danscentre in 2020, Beth studied Musical Theatre for a year at the Dance School of Scotland. She has now gained a place Laine Theatre Arts to study Musical Theatre.