Isle of Man dancer wins Royal Academy of Dance North West Scholarship Auditions 2012

11-year-old Breeshey Crookall from the Isle of Man, was the winner of the Royal Academy of Dance’s North West Scholarship Auditions, which took place on Sunday 29 April at William Hulme Grammar School in Manchester.

The Scholarship Auditions saw over 90 candidates ranging from 8 to 13 years of age, experience the challenge of taking a classical ballet class with renowned choreographer Peter Parker, and perform in front of an audience. Selected candidates who showed real confidence in their performance and technique were presented with class trophy awards.

Overall winner, Breeshey, received a trophy and the Jean Brenda Johnson Scholarship cash prize of £200, for further training in classical ballet. Adjudicator Wendy Arshamian spoke of how deserving a winner Breeshey is: "Breeshey was a delightful candidate who showed a natural musicality and joy of dance, she obviously enjoyed every moment of the competition class that she participated in. It was a pleasure to watch her."

Breeshey’s teacher Gena Walker has supported the Scholarship Auditions for many years regularly entering a group from her school in the event. Gena commented: "Breeshey's hard work and passion for dance has been noticed and rewarded. It was a fantastic day and the level of talent is amazing to watch. We are very pleased that a Manx dancer won the award and has made the Isle of Man proud!"

Previous scholarship recipients have gone on to study dance at White Lodge Dance School, achieved distinctions in RAD exams and played parts in local pantomimes, dancing with celebrities such Cilla Black, Les Dennis and Jennifer Ellison

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors

The North West Scholarship Auditions incorporating the Jean Brenda Johnson Scholarship Award
The North West Scholarship Auditions were created in 2007 and were inspired by the teachings of local teacher and RAD Examiner, Jean Brenda Johnson in the Royal Academy of Dance’s method. Proceeds from this event provide funds for the scholarship awards and any balance is reinvested in a fund which is administered by the Regional Committee for Northern England, Yorkshire and the Humber and forms part of the Northern England, Yorkshire and the Humber Scholarship Funds. The Northern England, Yorkshire and the Humber Scholarship Funds are Restricted Funds of the Royal Academy of Dance.

Biography: Jean Brenda Johnson
Miss Johnson commenced her professional training with Muriel Tweedy in Manchester until leaving school, when she began full-time training at the Shelagh Elliott-Clarke College in Liverpool. She was subsequently asked to teach at the college after graduating. Jean opened her own school in 1954, and also taught Advanced RAD at the Hammond School in Chester. She travelled widely for the Academy both as an examiner and tutor, including introducing the new Grades in Germany and promoting the Academy’s work in Sweden. She was invited to become Head of the RAD Department at the Merseyside College of Dance and Drama in 1986, and successfully trained many students and teachers for their STC/TC examinations and continued to teach at the College and in her own school. She received the Academy’s President’s Award in 2004.

The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is an international dance teacher education and training organisation with approximately 13,000 members in 79 countries. The Academy promotes the knowledge, practice and understanding of dance internationally through educating and training of dance teachers and dance students and providing examinations to reward achievement. The Royal Academy of Dance is a charity registered in England & Wales No. 312826

For more information contact:
Debbie White, RAD Northern England Regional Manager
Tel: 01668 213 353  
Email: dwhite@rad.org.uk

Image: Breeshey Crookall 2012 North West Scholarship Audition Winner. Photo: Gena Walker.