A FORMER Budehaven student is off to the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in London, after receiving successful GCSE results.

Having just completed her GCSEs at Budehaven School, and at the age of 16, Keeley Davis-Dawe from Bude has recently been offered a coveted scholarship on the three-year professional dance course at the world famous Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts Ltd in London.

Keeley started dancing over 13 years ago at Jayne Singleton’s ballet classes based at the Methodist church in Bude, she quickly progressed and wanted to dance more so enrolled at multiple dance schools based in Bude and Barnstaple.

Having completed most of her formal dance training with the La Tragna Dance Academy in Barnstaple, Keeley has now amassed over 40 awards in various styles and disciplines, which has given her great knowledge and skills.

Like the thousands of other aspiring dancers wanting to pursue a career in dance, Keely sent her application forms off early last year to try and secure an audition slot at the top dance schools in the country.

Based on her application information and training, Keeley was chosen as having the right criteria and was given a number of auditions at a selection of schools. In January, Keeley attended her first audition at Italia Conti, which consisted of six components in three stages, including a variety of dance techniques in various styles, a coaching session, a solo performance of her own pre-prepared dance and a formal interview with the principal.

Keeley survived all the call backs during the day, demonstrating she had significant prior dance training with an understanding of both technical dance language and body alignment; a high level of strength and stamina; and the physical and artistic potential for a career in dance.

After an agonising wait, she eventually found out that she had been offered one of the handful of places on her chosen course and latterly a government-funded dance and drama award (DADA), which is an annual scholarship to the exceptionally talented performing arts students studying at some of the country’s leading providers of professional, vocational training in dance, drama and musical theatre.

Keeley has extended thanks to all her family and friends who have helped support her in many ways over the years, as well as to all the dance teachers who have taught and inspired her — especially Melanie, Jayne and Charlotte.