In a world where the arts and academics often seem at odds, one remarkable dancer has proved that passion and dedication can lead to exceptional achievements in both realms.
Grace Addison is a talented young dancer, whose journey from the age of two started at Penrith’s Bishop Yards School of Dance which was founded by her mum – Marie Booth.
Grace started taking dance exams from the age of five and began to dream of becoming an accomplished student at a prestigious vocational dance and performing arts school.
Captivated by the elegance and expressiveness of movement, she quickly immersed herself in dance, balancing her studies with a rigorous training schedule. Grace consistently excelled when taking her dance exams in ballet, modern and tap, gaining distinctions in all of them, while continuing to concentrate on her school exams – also passing three A-levels.
While studying for her A-levels, Grace successfully auditioned for a place on an associate programme at The Northern Ballet in Leeds, which she attended most Sundays receiving professional tuition in ballet, jazz and vocals.
Also, during her final year of A-levels, she passed her IDTA Advanced 1 ballet exam with a distinction. Grace is also an accomplished saxophonist – studying to ABRSM Grade 7, and also achieved a distinction in her ABRSM Grade 8 singing exam.
All of this has led to her successfully auditioning for a place at Performers College in Essex on its musical theatre and dance three-year degree course.
The college boasts many current and previous West End stars as both past alumni and current members of the teaching staff. This gives the students not only expert tuition, but a genuine insight into the real world of high-level performing arts.
Grace started her training in Essex at the beginning of September, with long days of dance, musical theatre, and vocal classes – often starting at 8am and finishing at 7pm. However, Grace would be the first to admit she is loving what she is doing and following her dreams.
