Boys in Ballet: Meet 'the other' Andrew

As part of 'Get Scotland Dancing', we have a "Bring a boy to Ballet" week, 10-16 March. Meet one of our Senior dance students, Andrew...

Get Scotland Dancing is a nationwide initiative with a number of dance events running throughout the year and across the country, including "Get Dancin" offering free dance classes across Scotland. Our 'Bring a boy' week hopes to introduce boys to the world of dance as a fun and energetic activity.

Meet our boys...

We are especially proud of our male dance students and, as part of 'Get Dancin' week, would like to highlight their achievements, dedication and determination.

Senior CSBS student Andrew Halliday (17) tells us a bit about his dance training...

• When did you start dancing? I first started ballet dancing at the age of 10 when I auditioned for Scottish Ballet Junior Associates. Despite no previous dance experience, I was accepted and spent the next 2 years training there. In the meantime I started classes in grade 2 ballet at Central Scotland Ballet School, the same school my sister attended, and my dancing has grown from there.
• What level are you at now? I am now in Grade 7 ballet, and have just sat my Intermediate ballet exam. I have also expanded my dance experience to include jazz and tap at senior 2 level. I have also been a Mid and Senior Scottish Ballet associate and have performed with Ballet West as one of their associates.
• So why do you enjoy dancing? One of the reasons I love dance is that it allows you to entertain people. I really look forward to performances - If the audience can look at me and enjoy my dancing, then I am happy. It has also requires a high level of fitness and flexibility, which I have tried to develop over the years.  
• Do you hope to perform as a career? I am also a keen singer and gymnast, so would like to pursue a career in musical theatre. This year I have been auditioning for places and I have received offers from LAINE Theatre arts and Northern Ballet School, and a reserve list offer from Bird College.
• Would you recommend dance as a boy's activity? I think dance is an incredible activity to get involved in, especially ballet. I was worried of what people would think of me at first, but now I absolutely love it. I would encourage as many boys as possible to get involved in ballet. It’s an amazing art form and a great way to express yourself. The great thing about ballet is that you can start at any age. Boys in particular can start really young, or as a teenager. It simply does not matter.

Thank you Andrew... We are very much looking forward to following your career!