Genée Dance Challenge

We were delighted to have 7 students accepted to compete in the UK heat of the Genée Dance Challenge.

The Genée Dance Challenge is a competition organised by the Royal Academy of Dance as a fundraising and promotional event for the annual Genée International Ballet Competition. The competition invites young amateur dancers studying the RAD greades 4-8 or Vocational grades to take part in a competition styled in the same way as the Genée. Competitors take part in daily class with an RAD tutor as well as coaching on their solo, dress rehearsal and performance.

This year, there are heats across the world with winners being invited to perform in Antwerp at the Genée International Ballet Competition 2014.

Our dancers

We had 7 dancers take part in different levels:

• Level 1 (Grades 4-5): Elise Machin and Katy Russell
• Level 2 (Grades 6-8): Catriona Kemp 
• Level 3 (Inter. F - Intermediate): Olivia Boath, Sarah Leslie, and Serena McCall
• Level 4 (Advanced): Barbara Hogan

They each worked with CSBS teacher Amanda to devise their solo and had 4 coaching sessions in the 2 weeks prior to the event to choreograph and rehearse their piece. Each solo was unique to the dancer. They then travelled to Cardiff with their families to take part in the competition. Mrs Clark and Amanda also joined them to watch the final performances.

The girls were not selected as level winners but performed brilliantly and we were all extremely proud of them. Amanda received lots of good feedback from the tutors and other RAD teachers there too.

You can view a gallery of photos and some video clips on our CSBS Facebook page.

Scottish competitors

Of the 60 dancers competing, 13 were from Scotland and, one of the winners was from Fife! Congratulations to Morven from Yvonne Gray School of Dance for her win at Level 2.

Well done everyone!