2012 Awardee: Gavin McCaig

The award has been invaluable for me. Without the support of Dewar Awards I would have been unable to complete my 3 years at ENB School.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2012
AGE AT AWARD:
ARTFORMS: ,
WEBSITE:http://bio.site/gav
 
TWITTER: https://www.twitter.com/gavmcc15

Biography

Gavin is from Motherwell in Scotland and trained at The Dance School of Scotland and English National Ballet School. Alongside his studies, he worked part-time with the Dance School at the Royal Academy of Dance.

Gavin joined Northern Ballet upon his graduation in 2014 and in 2020 was promoted to Junior Soloist. He has danced several leading roles including Acolyte in Jean-Christophe Malliot’s Romeo and Juliet, Athos in David Nixon CBE’s The Three Musketeers and Tom in David Nixon CBE’s The Great Gatsby, Dr. Seward in David Nixon CBE’s Dracula, St. John in Cathy Marston’s Jane Eyre and John Brown in Cathy Marston’s Victoria and Drosselmeyer in David Nixon CBE’s The Nutcracker.

Gavin’s coaching experience has found him leading classes and workshops for Northern Ballet, Royal Academy of Dance, Scottish Ballet’s Associate Programme, Darlington Hippodrome, The Ballet Retreat, London Studio Centre, Moorland International Ballet Academy and Conservatorio de Dance do Vale do Sousa in Portugal. He also sits on the board of Yorkshire Dance in Leeds, an ACE-funded charity which invites people who normally have little access to dance to experience its transformational power.

How the Award Helped

Gavin’s award supported him in his studies at the English National Ballet School.

Since the Award

In 2019 he was commissioned to create a short film for Northern Ballet’s Digital Platform, Silenced, which went on to win Best Dance Short at the New Renaissance Film Festival in London. In 2021, his first ballet specifically for young people, Pinocchio, premiered for Northern Ballet in Leeds before a substantial nationwide tour. More recently, he choreographed a new narrative work for Images 2022, Assembly Line, which toured to several venues including Lilian Baylis at Sadler’s Wells.

In 2023, Gavin directed and choreographed a reimagined Snow White for London Children’s Ballet which opened at the Peacock Theatre in London followed by Journey, a new narrative work to celebrate Elmhurst Ballet School’s centenary.

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The award has been invaluable for me. Without the support of Dewar Awards I would have been unable to complete my 3 years at ENB School.

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2012 Awardee: Chrissie Ardill

The Dewar Arts Award has allowed me to take full advantage of my place on the DEBS scheme at Dance Base in Edinburgh and develop my technical dance skills as well as gaining further opportunities to choreograph and perform.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2012
AGE AT AWARD: 25
ARTFORMS:
WEBSITE:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTNkhSA6o_IaO2SlFf23G5w
 
 

Biography

Originally from Kilkenny, Ireland, Chrissie moved to Glasgow in 2007 to study dance full time.  Alongside her studies, she took advantage of every opportunity to engage in the Scottish dance scene, teaching freelance and choreographing new work.

Sadly, during her time in Scotland, Chrissie’s mother died.  This added significantly to Chrissie’s personal and financial challenges, but she remained determined to succeed in her chosen career.  She proved herself to be an exciting new talent and was awarded a scholarship place on the Dancers Emerging Bursary Scheme (DEBS) at Dance Base in Edinburgh.  This would allow her to receive professional dance classes and mentoring, as well as opportunities for networking and residencies.

A strong dancer with choreography skills that demonstrate “engaging and intelligent lines of enquiry”, Chrissie has been featured in the BBC Alba series ‘Danssa‘ as well as having a duet she choreographed entitled ‘Mangled’ (see below) tour across the UK.

How the Award Helped

The cost of travel between Glasgow and Edinburgh proved prohibitive for Chrissie in accepting her place at Dance Base. Her Dewar Award funded the travel between the two cities, allowing her to make the most of the opportunities offered to develop her skills and further her ambitions.

‘Mangled’ – Choreographed by Chrissie Ardil and performed by Underhand Dance Company

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The Dewar Arts Award has allowed me to take full advantage of my place on the DEBS scheme at Dance Base in Edinburgh and develop my technical dance skills as well as gaining further opportunities to choreograph and perform.

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2012 Awardee: Andy Macleman

I plan to work as efficiently as possible with my own ideals, choreographic intentions and musical scores alongside soaking up every moment with Richard Alston.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2012
AGE AT AWARD: 24
ARTFORMS:
 
 
TWITTER: https://www.twitter.com/anticlimac

Biography

When nominating Andy for a Dewar Award, the Assistant Director of the London Contemporary Dance School described his approach and artistic exploration as being “commensurate with those of a young professional, rather than an undergraduate student”.  An exceptional talent, Andy’s character and drive “mark him as being the sort of young artist who will make waves, and go on to have an impact in the field of contemporary dance”.

Having lived in Dundee for 21 years, Andy took the plunge and moved down to London to study dance.  Although his parents were unable to support him financially, he managed to complete his course and graduated with a first class honours degree.

Proving himself to be an incredibly motivated individual with a natural and honest ability in dance and choreography, Andy went on to successfully audition for an apprenticeship with the Richard Alston Dance Company.  This offered him the opportunity to tour with one of the UK’s leading companies whilst working towards a postgraduate qualification.

When writing about the company, Andy said: “Their work excites me; the musicality connects to my choreographic interests very strongly. The tour reaches across Britain, Europe and America alike which makes the Richard Alston Dance Company a very sought after company to perform for”.  However, it became clear to Andy that without financial assistance he would not be able to accept his place on the apprenticeship.

How the Award Helped

Andy’s Dewar Award enabled him to take up his apprenticeship with the Richard Alston Dance Company.

Since the Award

June 2014: Andy achieved a distinction for his postgraduate studies. His exceptional talent and dedication have brought him a wealth of outstanding opportunities in his dance career.  He has gone on to peform across the globe with the Richard Alston Dance Company, and since then with Ballet Rambert and the Matthew Bourne Company, in iconic shows including Swan Lake.

June 2014: Profile with Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake.

June 2014: Performing Merce Cunningham at The Barbican.

April 2012: Review – Choreography and performance of Andy’s piece ‘Drone’.

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I plan to work as efficiently as possible with my own ideals, choreographic intentions and musical scores alongside soaking up every moment with Richard Alston.

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2011 Awardee: Isabella Swietlicki

I am extremely grateful to the Dewar Arts Awards, whose assistance has made it possible for me to work towards achieving my dream.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2011
AGE AT AWARD: 14
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
TWITTER: https://www.twitter.com/b_swietlicki

Biography

Isabella is a very gifted dancer with a wonderful natural facility for classical dance and a mature technique.

Brought up near Oban since the age of 4, Isabella started dance classes at Ballet West Taynuilt at the age of 8.  During her time there she passed all of her Royal Academy of Dance vocational grades with distinction.  She also performed in their annual touring productions of ‘The Nutcracker’, ‘Coppelia’ and ‘Romeo and Juliet’. In 2011, she was part of a seven-week tour of China, performing the role of Clara as well as understudy for the role of Juliet.

In 2009, Isabella attended the International Summer School at the Royal Ballet School in Richmond. In 2010, she won first place for her level at the Royal Academy of Dance Senior Awards in the prestigious Genee Challenge in Edinburgh.

Isabella has attended a masterclass with Francesca Zumbo of the Paris Opera Ballet, who danced with Rudolf Nureyev when she was young.  She has also had the opportunity to work with and learn from her favourite dancer, Tamara Rojo; Royal Ballet Principal at the Royal Ballet Upper School in Covent Garden.

How the Award Helped

Isabella received a Dewar Arts Awards in 2011 to help her continue her dance studies at Ballet West. She has since received additional awards to support her flourishing talent.

Since the Award

In 2012 Isabella won the Molly Lake Award; a biennial ballet competition for young dancers.  She went on to gain a place at the English National Ballet School, and was granted additional funding from the Dewar Awards to continue her studies there.

Isabella is proving herself to be a dedicated, talented, and a quite exceptional dancer.

2014: Isabella writes “I am loving every moment of my studies at ENBS, and I feel a big difference in my dancing after just one term.  The academic aspect is thorough and rigorous – I thought I knew a lot about ballet until I started this course!  Most weeks, I am able to watch the dress rehearsals of performances by companies such as English National Ballet, Royal Ballet and Stuttgart Ballet.  My ambition is to be a professional ballet dancer, and I believe that I am in an ideal environment in which to train towards my goal.  I love my school, and I know that the staff will constantly challenge me and prepare me as well as is possible for a career in ballet.”

Sept 2014: Bronze Medallist at Genée International Ballet Competition

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I am extremely grateful to the Dewar Arts Awards, whose assistance has made it possible for me to work towards achieving my dream.

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2011 Awardee: Samantha Doherty

I would like to say a huge thanks to the trustees for this award. It is deeply appreciated and will help me concentrate on my dance studies without having to worry.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2011
AGE AT AWARD: 18
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Hailing from Edinburgh, Samantha was awarded a scholarship to study at The Dance School of Scotland when she was twelve years old. While at The Dance School, she won a choreography competition which offered as a prize the chance of a life-time to study in Australia for 3 weeks.

Samantha is very versatile in all the genres of dance – classical ballet, contemporary dance and jazz – and is dedicated to a career in dance and performance.

She won a scholarship place at the well-known Bird College in Kent, to study dance and musical theatre performance for three years.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award will offer financial support towards the costs to study at Bird College.

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I would like to say a huge thanks to the trustees for this award. It is deeply appreciated and will help me concentrate on my dance studies without having to worry.

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2010 Awardee: John Ross

Thank you for the amazing news! I am completely in shock that I have been given this opportunity and would love to accept it.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2010
AGE AT AWARD: 22
ARTFORMS:
WEBSITE:https://www.johnrossdance.wordpress.com/
 
 

Biography

Dundee-born John developed his interest in dance through his involvement in drama at The Space in Dundee (where he was known as ‘John Henney’). When he was 18, John went on to study dance full-time at the Scottish School of Contemporary Dance also based at The Space. He then auditioned for, and won, a place at the renowned London Contemporary Dance School. He was accepted straight into the second year of their degree course which is only offered to exceptionally talented dancers.

John is already considered to be a dancer of enormous talent and ability.

Studying at the leading contemporary dance conservatoire in the UK, offers him the opportunity to work with some of the world’s top choreographers and teachers in contemporary dance. His former mentors believe that he has the potential to make a significant contribution to the dance world.

John’s ambition is to set up his own dance company.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award will help with the substantial costs of studying in London.

Since the Award

Review of Man Down

Ideas Tap Interview

‘Man Down’ Dance Piece

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Thank you for the amazing news! I am completely in shock that I have been given this opportunity and would love to accept it.

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2009 Awardee: Fergal McGoff

This award is very important to me and I would like to say thank you.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2009
AGE AT AWARD: 17
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Edinburgh-born Fergal started his working life as a painter and decorator with a dream to perform on stage, but no support, guidance, or teaching. By chance, he did some decorating work for a choreographer, through whom he was invited to dance workshops. He was spotted very quickly as being an exceptionally gifted dancer and within a year had won a place at Bird College with a full DADA scholarship.

Fergal has both a natural talent and the look for musical theatre and has shown that he has the determination to succeed. He demonstrated to his early mentors that he is prepared to work hard to achieve his dream and he has the necessary drive and energy to succeed in musical theatre.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Awards have offered Fergal support for the first year of his studies at Bird College. His funding was continued for a second year. After a successful second year, Fergal’s support was extended for a third and final year.

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This award is very important to me and I would like to say thank you.

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2009 Awardee: Sean Reilly

I cannot put into words how grateful I am to have received this and I can only say thank you so much to the trustees for their belief in me. It means so much to me and this award will, without question, allow me to develop further as a dancer, as well as a performer.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2009
AGE AT AWARD: 19
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

When Sean Reilly, from Glasgow, was born, the doctors pronounced that he would never be able to walk because of clubbed feet. When he was four, he started to move to music, and Sean says that he has loved to dance ever since.

Sean entered Anniesland College at the age of 15 and is remembered as a quiet and shy person. His peers had not understood, or accepted, his love for dance and performance. During the next three years, in a very different and supportive environment, Sean was transformed into a dancer of promise who loves to perform. He subsequently won a place at the well-known Bird College in Kent to study musical theatre.

Sean’s real passion and talent is in jazz dance. When he returned to Anniesland College to perform in their GoDance Festival at Glasgow’s Theatre Royal he wowed the audience. He has just finished his first year at Bird College and was selected to perform in the College’s third year end of show contemporary piece, which is a huge accolade for a first-year student.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award will help towards Sean’s expenses in year two of his studies at Bird College.

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I cannot put into words how grateful I am to have received this and I can only say thank you so much to the trustees for their belief in me. It means so much to me and this award will, without question, allow me to develop further as a dancer, as well as a performer.

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2006 Awardee: Dominique Collins

Dominique thanks you for this opportunity and promises to fulfil her obligation .. in striving to be the best that she can be during the next year. (Linda Collins, mother)

YEAR OF AWARD: 2006
AGE AT AWARD: 16
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Now living in Dumbarton, Dominique started dancing at the age of 12. After only one year she won the Scottish Junior Modern Championship and the Scottish Senior Modern Championship the following year.

Her early dance teachers consider her to be one of the most talented Scottish dancers at the moment. She also has an exceptional singing voice. Dominique is made of the stuff all dance teachers dream of, a combination of exciting raw talent and dedicated to hard work.

Dominique has been offered a scholarship at Laines Theatre Arts in Surrey, one of the premier musical theatre schools.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Awards will help with the considerable costs of living and studying in Surrey. Dominique’s funding has been extended for a second year, and subsequently a third year.

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Dominique thanks you for this opportunity and promises to fulfil her obligation .. in striving to be the best that she can be during the next year. (Linda Collins, mother)

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2008 Awardee: Jack Henry

I would again like to thank you for my award, allowing me to progress and develop fully into a classical dancer.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2008
AGE AT AWARD: 16
ARTFORMS:
 
 
 

Biography

Glasgow-based Jack started  learning to dance at a dance school in Renfrewshire. During his time there he was selected for both the Scottish Ballet’s Junior Associates Scheme and the Royal Ballet School’s Mid-Associate Scheme, showing his early promise.

Jack progressed to the Dance School of Scotland in Knightswood, where he continued to develop his natural aptitude and physical potential for classical ballet. He shone amongst his peers, progressing well through the RAD examinations. When he started training in contemporary dance Jack continued to show his aptitude and potential for other dance disciplines, scoring consistently high marks. During his school years Jack would regularly leave home at 7.30 in the morning and often not return before 10 pm if rehearsing for a show.

Jack has successfully auditioned for a place at the prestigious Elmhurst School for Dance in Birmingham, which has close links to the Royal Birmingham Ballet. However, Jack has his sights firmly set on joining the Scottish Ballet when he has finished his training. He was successful in being awarded a Dance and Drama Award to help with the costs of his training.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award has helped towards the balance of the costs for Jack to train at Elmhurst School of Dance.

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I would again like to thank you for my award, allowing me to progress and develop fully into a classical dancer.

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