SIX Richmond Sixth Form College students are jumping for joy after achieving unconditional university offers to study dance from September.

The students all study dance at A-level and have chosen to continue their studies in this field, to develop both artistically and technically in a range of dance genres.

Louise Sharp has secured her place at Newcastle’s Dance City to study BA Hons Professional Dance for three years. Alicia Booth, Brandon Sutherland-Parker, Callum Wilson, Joe Grisdale, and Matthew Biggs all have guaranteed places on Middlesex University’s three-year BA Hons Dance Studies degree.

The students have enviable dance credentials and over their years at Richmond School and Sixth Form College have developed to an exceptional standard, pushing themselves to achieve their best, creatively and physically.

Danni Fox, head of dance, said: “I am absolutely ecstatic for them. All six students have shown complete dedication to their dance training throughout their years at Richmond School and have been single-minded in achieving their best potential. Their unconditional offers are testimony to their talent and I am extremely proud to have six out of our eight Year 13 dancers continuing their training at higher education and striving for a career within the profession. This is the highest percentage we have ever had which is very exciting for the department and demonstrates the level of potential in our dance students at Richmond School.”

The students’ stringent and demanding audition process included a 1 ½ hour contemporary technique and class improvisation and choreography workshop, as well as solo performances and both group and individual interviews. The students all delivered polished and professional auditions, demonstrating their drive, creativity and technical excellence.

Alicia Booth is looking forward to taking up her place at Middlesex University where she will study contemporary dance, a course that has a strong practical focus but also offers experience in dance journalism, to give a broader experience to the qualification. Alicia has been dancing since she was seven, at Richmond’s Rhythm and Shoes Dance Company, studying modern, tap, street and freestyle disciplines. Alicia says: “I am over the moon to achieve an unconditional offer and can’t wait to pursue my passion for dance at a higher level. After graduating I am aiming to have a career in dance through journalism.”