Marlborough Academy of Dance and Drama celebrate many recent awards for their dancers

Marlborough Academy of Dance and Drama is celebrating a string of sterling successes. Over the past few week youngsters from the local performing arts school have scooped a host of national
accolades.

During half term Aurelie Henderson (13) and Audrey Williams (13) took to the stage at the regional finals of the All England Dance Competition, held in Cheltenham.

Aurelie was awarded 1st place in her Classical Ballet section and Audrey was named runner up in the Musical Theatre category. Both girls will progress to the National Finals taking place in Eastbourne in July.

School Principle Cheryl Heuston says, “just to qualify for the All England championship is a huge achievement for a young dancer but to make it through to the NationalFinals is very special. All their teachers are immensely proud of them”.

And the school’s recent triumphs don’t end there. Aurelie also scooped the top honour at the ISTD Imperial Classical Ballet Awards, held at the Central School of Ballet in London last weekend. She took home the gold medal in the grade 5/6 and Intermediate Foundation section at this prestigious award ceremony. The event showcases the talent of some of the best young ballerinas in the country. Cheryl says “watching Aurelie win in this tough category against so many beautiful dancers was a fantastic moment. She works so hard and deserves every success”

Meanwhile one of MAD’s younger dancers, Bella Black (9) has just been offered a place as a Junior associate with the Royal Ballet School, starting in September. She’ll join Isabelle Schembri and Willa Hampton from Marlborough Academy of Dance and Drama who already train as Mid Associates with the world renowned programme. The two have also gained coveted places as year 7 Royal Ballet scholars. To have three of Marlborough’s budding ballet dancers attached to the Royal Ballet School is quite a feat and testament the training they receive with MAD.