Top Dance Students Receive US Scholarships

6 June 2012

Top Dance Students Receive US Scholarships

Three ballet dancers studying at the New Zealand School of Dance have received prestigious scholarships to some of America's foremost dance institutions.

Ruth Austin, Cauê Frias and Christopher Gerty, all eighteen years-old, will spend the northern hemisphere summer dancing at the School at Jacob's Pillow (Massachusetts), Houston Ballet Academy and San Francisco Ballet School respectively.

Speaking of the achievement, New Zealand School of Dance director Garry Trinder described it as a tremendous accolade. "Being geographically isolated, we are always keen to gauge how we fare within the international arena. In having three of our students recognised by some of the finest conservatoires in the United States, we know we're providing a training that reflects excellent standards. To be granted three substantial scholarships, in the school's 45th anniversary year, is a gift from the international dance community."

Ruth, Cauê and Christopher, who have been full-time students at the New Zealand School of Dance over the past two years, will be leaving for the US during the next month. All three are excited about their upcoming experience and the opportunities it will afford them. Christopher is looking forward to experiencing a new style of training. "It will be an intense couple of weeks where I can work really hard". Ruth will have a work choreographed on her while at Jacob's Pillow, which she will perform at a gala event. Cauê will watch Houston Ballet performing 'Romeo and Juliet' on his first night in the US and says "it will be amazing to work with people from other parts of the world".

New Zealand recipients of similar scholarships in the past include James Wynn, who hails from Waikanae. Like Christopher Gerty, James also concluded his studies at San Francisco Ballet School, before gaining a contract with Canada's Royal Winnipeg Ballet where he is now dancing as a soloist.

The New Zealand School of Dance has long-standing relationships with all three US institutions. The scholarships, which comprise generous provision for both tuition and accommodation, are an endorsement of the talent these young dancers ably demonstrate.

ENDS

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