2024 Awardee: Keavie Holliday

The Donald Dewar award has helped me massively - ensuring I could attend the Rambert School to further my dance training and be closer to turning my dreams into a reality.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2024
AGE AT AWARD: 17
ARTFORMS:
 
 
 

Biography

Keavie Holliday has been dancing since the age of 3 and has loved it ever since. She was awarded distinctions in her RAD ballet exams, and her teachers have described her as a humble and dedicated student, with a gift for choreography.

Keavie has also achieved success in international competitions, placing in the top twelve at the Youth America Grand Prix and 3rd at Dance Open America, where she received the ‘Outstanding Contemporary Dancer Award’.

She has performed around the world, sharing her love for dance in New York City, Italy, Paris and Bahrain. In 2024, she started attending Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary.

How the Award Helped

Keavie’s award supports her BA (Hons) studies at the Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance.

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The Donald Dewar award has helped me massively - ensuring I could attend the Rambert School to further my dance training and be closer to turning my dreams into a reality.

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2021 Awardee: Mollie-Mae Aiken

I can’t describe how thankful I am to have this unreal opportunity thanks to Dewar Arts Award. I work hard every single day and my dream is coming true. This has been an opportunity of a lifetime and I couldn’t thank them enough for it. 

YEAR OF AWARD: 2021
AGE AT AWARD: 18
ARTFORMS:
 
 
 

Biography

Mollie-Mae Aiken is a talented young dancer from Rothesay. She has been trained in Highland Dancing, and has achieved much success on the competing circuit. She placed in 3rd for two consecutive years at the Cowal World Championships of Highland Dancing. An overall 1st place in a competition in Inveraray qualified her to be part of the Argyll and Bute team that competed at the Oban Championships.

How the Award Helped

Funding from the Dewar Arts Awards supported Mollie-Mae to attend Hamilton Theatre Arts and further her dance training.

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I can’t describe how thankful I am to have this unreal opportunity thanks to Dewar Arts Award. I work hard every single day and my dream is coming true. This has been an opportunity of a lifetime and I couldn’t thank them enough for it. 

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2021 Awardee: Alana Smith-Saville

Alana Smith-Saville

YEAR OF AWARD: 2021
AGE AT AWARD: 15
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Alana grew up in Orkney, and at the age of 9, began her dance journey at Just Dance. With the help and guidance from her dance teacher, Alana was the first person from Orkney to be accepted into the Dance School of Scotland. After studying at the Dance School of Scotland for two years, Alana was accepted into the prestigious Central School of Ballet, Northern Ballet School, and Edinburgh Festival Ballet School. Alana decided to accept a place at Edinburgh Festival Ballet School, where she will complete a three-year programme with the hope of being accepted into their company. Peter Schaufuss is the founder and Artistic Director of EFB and is widely recognised as one of the most talented male dancers on the international stage.

How the Award Helped

Funding from the Dewar Arts Awards will support Alana’s studies at the Edinburgh Festival Ballet School.

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Alana Smith-Saville

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2015 Awardee: Harris Beattie

Harris Beattie

"I have benefited extremely from this award. It has given me a great deal of financial security [without] which I could not have fulfilled my course with full dedication...I am forever grateful for the trustees and can’t stress how much it has helped me through my course"

YEAR OF AWARD: 2015
AGE AT AWARD: 16
ARTFORMS:
 
 
 

Biography

Harris is an exceptional dancer and talented choreographer from Aberdeen.  He trained at the ‘Danscentre’ and attained Advanced 2 Ballet with Distinction before gaining a place to study at the Central School of Ballet in London. In 2012-2013, he played ‘Billy Elliot’ in London’s West End.

In advance of gaining his Dewar Arts Award, Harris had already trained for 10 years and collected the following impressive achievements:

  • Commonwealth Dance Festival 2014, Tramway Glasgow
  • Dance Proms 2013 and 2015
  • Royal Ballet Senior Associate 2014-2015
  • Joint winner of the UK Classical Ballet Competition ‘Phyllis Bedell’s Bursary’ in March 2015
  • Auditioned and participated in YDE (Youth Dance England) ‘Young Creatives’ at Royal Ballet School 2015
  • Choreographed the winning entry in national competition Genee Dance Challenge in June 2015
  • Accepted to attend Royal Ballet Summer School in August 2015
  • Participated in Genee International Ballet competition in September 2015

How the Award Helped

Harris received a Dewar Arts Award to support his studies at the Central School of Ballet.

Since the Award

2017 – Won the prestigious Gold medal at the Genée International Ballet Competition

2018 – Graduated from the Central School of Ballet with BA (Hons) in Professional Dance and Performance.

2018 – Joined the prestigious Northern Ballet.

Additional performance experience includes works by Wayne McGregor, Kenneth MacMillan, Matthew Bourne and Jenna Lee with Ballet Central.

Harris Beattie Dancing

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Harris Beattie

"I have benefited extremely from this award. It has given me a great deal of financial security [without] which I could not have fulfilled my course with full dedication...I am forever grateful for the trustees and can’t stress how much it has helped me through my course"

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Awardee: Tony Polo

"The Dewar Arts Award has given me the opportunity to train at my dream school and for that I am incredibly grateful. Without their generosity I am not sure how or if I would have managed."

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AGE AT AWARD:
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Biography

Since 2016, dance has been a huge part of Tony Polo’s life. He began his journey at Dance Studio Scotland in Anniesland. At that time he was 18 years old and had no prior experience, so he felt very out of his depth. However, as time passed he learned that with hard work and determination he was able to do accomplish his ambitions.

Tony’s training at Dance Studio Scotland was very broad, encapsulating various styles of dance including Ballet, Contemporary, Tap and Jazz. He was also able to work with dancers and choreographers from all over the world, most notably in a Merce Cunningham and John Cage project with Julie Cunningham in Glasgow. Alongside his peers he performed a segment from legendary choreographer Merce Cunningham’s piece ‘Second Hand’.

In 2019, Tony auditioned for the Scottish Ballet’s Youth Exchange Programme. He was successful in gaining a place, which allowed him to work with many highly skilled choreographers. He and also had the enviable chance to perform in New York and in Italy as part of the prestigious Torino Danza Festival.

Tony says he has had some of the best experiences of his life through dance, including being featured in a professional music video for the song ‘Magnetic’ by Seafret and performing on stage as part of the annual show with Dance Studio Scotland entitled ‘Pulse’.

Tony has also had the opportunity to teach. As part of a work placement, he shadowed staff at the Scottish Ballet while they taught classes to people who suffer from Parkinson’s disease. In the final week he was also able to teach his own class, and found the experience to be incredibly touching.

After graduating with an A from Dance Studio Scotland, Tony auditioned and gained a place at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance in Leeds. He hopes in the future be part of a touring contemporary dance company.

How the Award Helped

Tony’s Award supported his studies at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance.

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"The Dewar Arts Award has given me the opportunity to train at my dream school and for that I am incredibly grateful. Without their generosity I am not sure how or if I would have managed."

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2020 Awardee: Anya Phillips

Anya Phillips

"Having this Dewar Award has meant that [Anya] could keep this journey going...without it it would have been impossible...Thank you so so much"

YEAR OF AWARD: 2020
AGE AT AWARD: 16
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Anya is an accomplished ballet dancer, who started dancing at the young age of 2 1/2 at CSBS Falkirk. During her time there, she took part in many dance productions, as well as gaining the opportunity to feature in TV commercials, STV Children’s Appeal and a range of events.

Anya was successful in gaining a place in Scottish Ballet Junior Associates, Junior Conservatoire at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and also SMB company with Sara Maria Barton.

During her time with the Scottish Ballet, Anya successfully auditioned for a place in ‘The Nutcracker’. She toured with the production to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Newcastle – and thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity. She was then successful in auditioning for the Dance School of Scotland where she boarded for 4 years (and loved every minute).

In her fourth year at the Dance School of Scotland, Anya auditioned for a sought after place at the prestigious Central School of Ballet as well as Elmhurst Ballet School.  She was successful in both auditions, and decided to study at Central on the 3 year BA (Hons) course.

How the Award Helped

Anya received an Award to support her accommodation and living costs at the Central School of Ballet.

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Anya Phillips

"Having this Dewar Award has meant that [Anya] could keep this journey going...without it it would have been impossible...Thank you so so much"

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2019 Awardee: Kirsty Craig

"I am truly grateful to the Dewar Arts Awards for their tremendous generosity. Their belief and support has enabled me to take the next step in my career and fulfil my potential at a prestigious training establishment. From the bottom of my heart, thank you."

YEAR OF AWARD: 2019
AGE AT AWARD: 20
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Kirsty Craig grew up in Glasgow and is a passionate dancer with strong determination.

Kirsty began attending The Studio in the West End of Glasgow in 2007 and continued through to her Award in 2019. During this time, Kirsty danced lead roles and achieved exceptional marks in her examinations, up to and including the Advanced 2 vocational Cecchetti Classical Ballet exam. She also worked towards her teaching Diploma in Dance Education (accredited by the ISTD).

From 2016 to 2019, Kirsty attended Dance Studio Scotland at Anniesland College and achieved an A grade in her HND Dance Artists course. Her versatility and skillset were broadened, including jazz, tap, contemporary and choreography skills. She also began tuition in singing and acting, enabling her to be a multi-faceted performer in preparation for auditions.

Alongside her many dancing commitments, Kirsty sustained a part-time job in retail to help her save money. A keen student, Kirsty was Head Girl at school and achieved 5 As in her Highers. She has also taken part in volunteering, completed both the Duke of Edinburgh Award and the Youth Philanthropy Initiative, and raised thousands of pounds for charity.

In Spring of 2019, Kirsty successfully auditioned for a competitive BA (Hons) Professional Dance and Musical Theatre course at Bird College in London. The panel (including the Principal and Artistic Director) were so impressed, she was offered a place on the day, without waiting the customary three-week period to hear an outcome.

Bird College offers excellent performance opportunities, world class facilities and leading industry professionals who equip their students with a plethora of skills and connections with the industry. Through studying at Bird College, Kirsty aims to achieve her dream of becoming a professional performer.

How the Award Helped

Due to the intense financial demands of studying in London, Kirsty applied for grants to alleviate the pressure. Without the help of the Dewar Arts Award and her teachers in Scotland, Kirsty says she would not have been able to train at her dream college.

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"I am truly grateful to the Dewar Arts Awards for their tremendous generosity. Their belief and support has enabled me to take the next step in my career and fulfil my potential at a prestigious training establishment. From the bottom of my heart, thank you."

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2019 Awardee: Karah Pollock

"The Dewar Award has afforded Karah the opportunity to pursue her dream, an opportunity that would not otherwise have been available to her"

YEAR OF AWARD: 2019
AGE AT AWARD: 17
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Born in Glasgow in 2002, Karah started her dance career in competitive freestyle at the tender age of three.   Showing a natural flair and talent from the outset, Karah won every major title she set her sights on throughout an impressive ten-year career.  She was scouted to participate in a Channel 4 documentary following her dance lifestyle.

Karah retired from competitive freestyle to pursue a dance education at the prestigious Dance School of Scotland, and after a successful audition was one of only nine students selected from thousands of auditionees to attend.

While at the Dance School of Scotland, Karah gained Adv 1 Ballet and Adv 1 Modern with Distinction.  She also earned the opportunity to tour Scotland with Scottish Ballet and was the youngest inductee of their Youth Exchange Programme touring New York and performing in the Joyce Theatre.

Karah then auditioned for the best Dance and Musical Theatre Colleges in the UK and was accepted for both Laine Theatre arts and the Urdang Academy.

How the Award Helped

Karah decided to continue her technical training at the Urdang Academy. She received a Dewar Award to support her studies on the BA (Hons) course in Musical Theatre and Dance.

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"The Dewar Award has afforded Karah the opportunity to pursue her dream, an opportunity that would not otherwise have been available to her"

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2019 Awardee: Jennifer Bruce

"Receiving this award has allowed me to study at my dream school Bird College...This truly does mean the world to me"

YEAR OF AWARD: 2019
AGE AT AWARD: 19
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Jennifer became interested in the performing arts from a young age and began dance lessons when she was 5.  While at high school, she sought out additional opportunities to build her dance/performance skill set, and in 2014 successfully auditioned for the Scottish Ballet Youth Exchange with Singapore School of the Arts.

Continuing to improve her skills, Jennifer gained a place in the National Youth Dance Company of Scotland. This  allowed her to find her own artistry and confidence with improvisation, as well as performing internationally. Jennifer performed in India for the International Dance Bridges Festival, Australia with Yellowwheel Dance Company, and Groupe Grenade in Marseille, France.

Jennifer also expressed an interest in musical theatre, and in 2013 she had chance to perform as part of the Tom Daniels Musicals ensemble in Scotland’s Young Variety Show, followed by their annual musical production and Christmas show. She continued with singing lessons and annual showcases.

In June 2019, Jennifer completed her HND Dance Artists from Glasgow Clyde College. She went on to gain a place on the BA (Hons) in Professional Dance and Musical Theatre at Bird College, one of the top schools in the UK to study the performing arts. This brought her another step closer to her dream of being a professional performer.

Jennifer loves the freedom of expression and escapism that performance provides, allowing her ‘to be anyone, anywhere at any time’ and share this with an audience.

How the Award Helped

Jennifer received a Dewar Arts Award to support her studies at Bird College, as well as helping her to buy necessary equipment including character shoes for singing and musical theatre classes, pointe shoes for ballet, and additional uniform and study materials.

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"Receiving this award has allowed me to study at my dream school Bird College...This truly does mean the world to me"

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2017 Awardee: Rory Swietlicki

"I am extremely grateful to the Dewar Arts Award for enabling me to attend the Central School of Ballet, and setting me on the path to gaining the experience and training to hopefully fulfil my dream of becoming a professional dancer."

YEAR OF AWARD: 2017
AGE AT AWARD: 16
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Rory began dancing at a very young age, and has always shown passion, strong focus, and commitment to developing his skills to the highest level.

At age 12, Rory took part in a competitive audition process and gained a place at the prestigious Dance School of Scotland.  During his time at the school he was awarded the Progress Prize, took part in the school’s choreography performances, and performed in end of year shows at the Theatre Royal, Glasgow and The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. In 2013 he successfully auditioned for a part in Scottish Ballet’s production of Hansel & Gretel.   At the age of 16, Rory gained his RAD Advanced 1 (Ballet), ISTD Advanced 2 (National Dance), and ISTD Intermediate (Modern Dance) certificates.

In 2016, Rory was offered a place on the Scottish Ballet’s Youth Exchange Programme, where he attended weekly classes and workshops at Scottish Ballet.  This took much dedication and commitment as he took part in this alongside his dance school classes and studying for his National 5 exams.

Rory travelled to New York with the Youth Exchange group to collaborate with students from TISCH School of The Arts at New York University.  While there he had the opportunity to take classes at New York City Ballet.

At age 16, Rory competed against students from the UK and abroad for a place to study at the prestigious Central School of Ballet, London.  He was proud to be the only student in his year achieve this, and accepted a place on the BA (Hons) in Professional Dance and Performance.

How the Award Helped

Rory’s Award supported him in attending the Central School of Ballet, and pursuing his chosen career.

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"I am extremely grateful to the Dewar Arts Award for enabling me to attend the Central School of Ballet, and setting me on the path to gaining the experience and training to hopefully fulfil my dream of becoming a professional dancer."

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