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

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

Since the Award

Review of Man Down

Ideas Tap Interview

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

Biography

Rutherglen-born Jon started his training in dance at the Dance School of Scotland, where he showed himself to be extremely talented from the start. He decided early on that he wanted to become a professional dancer. During his six years at the Dance School he worked hard to achieve a very high technical standard.

In 2008 Jon achieved the RAD Advanced II vocational graded examination, which is a standard of training attained by only a few male students worldwide. In the same year he auditioned for vocational dance schools in London and was offered places at the English National Ballet School, Central School of Ballet and the Royal Ballet School. Jon accepted the Royal Ballet School which had offered him a place onto the second year.

Jon is a versatile dancer who has the facility to become principal in a classical company. He has an excellent natural physical facility and ideal physique for classical ballet, but is also able to dance a whole range of styles.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award will help Jon through his two years of study at the Royal Ballet School.

Since the Award

Biography

From Bishopton, Renfrewshire, Richard Hackett showed a natural ability for dance from an early age. He joined the Scottish Ballet’s Associate Programme when he was nine and was a pupil for six years at the Dance School of Scotland, in Knightswood. Richard performed his first main ballet role when he was 15 years, as James in La Sylphide by the Scottish Ballet.

Richard was seen as a talented and committed dance student at the Dance School, winning a number of prestigious prizes and awards along the way, including the Choreography Competition, the progress prize in 2004 and 2006, the Randak Trophy for Achievement in 2007. He featured in the school’s Showcase each year.

Richard auditioned for, and was offered a place by, three of the top dance schools in London. He chose to study at Central School of Ballet which, he explains, will enable him to combine a strong classical technique with more contemporary movement.

Richard is a highly motivated and committed dancer and believes that he will be able to develop his potential to the fullest at Central School of Ballet. His long-term aim is to dance with one of the top ballet companies.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award is helping to support Richard while he studies at the Central School of Ballet in London.

Since the Award