Talented Walsall dancers chosen for scholarship
Two young dancers from an academy in the Black Country have been chosen to compete for prestigious scholarships.
Jasmin Benton, aged 13 from Walsall and Emily-Violet Haywood, aged 14 from Sandwell, were chosen to take part in the International Dance Teacher's Association's International Theatre Dance Awards.
Up to 40 youngsters from across the country gained a place in the finals where they will compete for a cash prize to help them fund their dance training.
Each of them will compete in different categories, with Jasmin performing ballet and Emily-Violet in theatre craft.
The pair, who have trained at Livingstone Dance Academy in Wednesbury for a number of years, will be travelling to Manchester in February for the event.
Debbie Morgan, owner of the dance school, said: "I am more than proud to say the least and for them to be chosen in the first place.
"They have been successful in competing in the past and they are both very talented all round performers."
The Academy, based on Holyhead Road, has been open since 1988.
Over the years, a number of former students have gone on to have prestigious careers in performing arts.
Debbie added: "Recently we had two former students performing at The Grand Theatre in Wolverhampton, another at the Birmingham Hippodrome, another now works at Disneyland Paris and one student has even just featured in the new Cats film.
"We've also had 10 of our former students go on to open their own dance schools or teach dance.
"It's great to see that they are taking what they have learnt here onwards."
Their next performances will be held at the Prince of Wales Theatre, on April 17 and 18, to purchase tickets contact Debbie on 07976880608.
