Three West Cumbrian youngsters have won prestigious scholarships to attend their local dance school.
Jessie Nixon-Ferguson, seven, of Maryport, Lilah Ford, 11, of Whitehaven and Caitlin Hargreaves, 15, of Whitehaven, have won the scholarships from The Stage newspaper to attend Razzamataz West Cumbria
Jessie has won a year’s scholarship after an audition process judged by industry professionals. Lilah and Caitlin each won a scholarship to attend Razzamataz for a free term.
Performing Arts trade publication The Stage has worked in association with Razzamataz for several years to offer a scholarship to a young person who displays the drive, dedication and natural talent that will help them to succeed in whatever path they choose in life.
Each applicant had to submit an audition tape and was open to both current students and those without any previous training, because the judges were looking for young people with a raw talent and the ambitions to embrace the Razzamataz training.
Matty Aitchison-Rayson, principal of Razzamataz West Cumbria, said: “We are so proud of every child that took part in the audition process and applaud them for having the courage to give it a go.
“After the last few years of lockdowns, children have lost a lot of confidence, so we were delighted with how many applicants we had and the high standard of entries.
“We looked for those that demonstrated a maturity and a real desire to learn, and we were delighted to offer Jessie, Lilah and Caitlin, the scholarship. We really hope this inspires Jessie, Lilah and Caitlin to keep working hard and enjoying their performing arts training.”
Jessie said: “I am so happy to have won the scholarship! I love going to Razzamataz, I love performing and I am excited for another year of learning new things.”
Lilah added: “Winning the runner-up in the scholarship means so much to me. I feel very proud and happy to get this award and I would not be able to have achieved this without going to Razzamataz. Coming to Razzamataz makes me so happy and I am so excited for next year.”
Caitlin said: “I was very happy and proud of myself when I got the award it was something I put effort into and I was really pleased when I got the award.”
The Stage scholarship is worth up to £700 with runners up receiving up to £230 each.
