Dance stars eager to make the step up to centre of excellence

An academy of excellence for dance beckons for two students from West Cheshire College.

Emily Malone, 18 and Stephen Pitchford, 22, both from Ellesmere Port, had to put on the performance of their lives to be offered one of the most sought after places at the Hammond School, just a few minutes down the M53.

Emily, who is studying a BTEC extended diploma in musical theatre and dance, said: “I was over the moon when I got offered a place.

“Dancing is my life and it’s such a great honour to be accepted into such a well known school.”

Both students, who start at The Hammond in September, have worked tirelessly over the past few weeks to prepare for their audition.

Stephen, who is studying a HNC in musical theatre and dance, said: “I completed the BTEC two-year dance course at college and then decided to complete a HNC to help improve my technique.

“The auditioning process is tough and I had to do lots of training and preparation, but it paid off and I can’t wait to start in September.

“I have worked so hard over the past three years and I am so thankful for having the chance to study at The Hammond.”

Emily, a distinction student, recently showed off her talent as the lead role in the college’s <em>Alice in Wonderland</em> rock ballet.

The college says this year has been ‘particularly successful’ for its performing arts department as many students have gone on to achieve great things.

Musical theatre students Olivia Ashton and Laila Mangan recently beat off stiff competition to secure places at Liverpool’s Institute of Performing Arts (LIPA) in Barcelona.

Sharon Brown, assistant manager of performing arts, said: “I am very proud of all our dance students and the fabulous careers they are now pursuing.

“From touring with large West End shows, music video performances, directors of shows in Singapore to dancers on cruise ships, they have all achieved great things.

“All students who have studied performing arts at the college are doing superbly well at getting their first choice places in vocational schools and universities.”