NO LESS than five local dancers have been awarded places in full-time dance courses in Melbourne for next year.
The five students have all trained at Cathy-Lea Dance Works in Narre Warren and will draw on this experience when they look to attain professional dancing positions beyond the City of Casey.
“I am so proud of all these students who have trained with us for so many years,” director Cathy-Lea Smith said.
“It takes a long time to train a dancer and it is a privilege as a teacher to have guided these students and watched them grow into the aspiring performers they are now.”
Noah Cosgriff from Berwick has gained a place in the prestigious Australian Ballet School after training at Cathy-Lea for the past five years.
Ms Smith said the nine-year-old has always wanted to be a ballet dancer and looks forward to training in the elite institution.
Luke McConnell, 18, and Megan Jackson, 27, will train at Kelly Aykers Studios.
Luke will study a diploma of musical theatre and Megan will complete certificate IV in dance teaching and studio management.
Other students Kate Watson, 17, and Jessica Biram, 20, have been awarded places in the full-time dance course at Jason Coleman’s Ministry of Dance.
Jessica started dancing at Cathy-Lea as a five-year-old while Kate started dancing there when she was four.
“We had three students move to full-time training last year and five going this year,” Ms Smith said.
“I believe their success is testimony of the excellent teachers and programs we have at the academy.”
