Kirkcaldy dancer uses lockdown to to work towards dream of professional career

A talented dancer from Kirkcaldy earmarked as an outstanding student of a UK ballet school run by one of the world’s most famous dancers is setting his sights on a career on stage as a professional ballet dancer.

By Debbie Clarke

Published 25th Feb 2021, 12:30 BST

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Oliver Quigley, who trains at Edinburgh Festival Ballet’s part-time school, has spent lockdown working towards his dream of making a mark on the big stage.

Oliver, who juggles his ballet training with studying at Balwearie High School, said: “I’ve always loved ballet and have been dancing since I was just three years old.

"I auditioned for a place at Edinburgh Festival Ballet’s part-time school at the start of lockdown and was so excited when I was offered a place.

Oliver Quigley, who trains at Edinburgh Festival Ballet’s part-time school, has spent lockdown working towards his dream of making a mark on the big stage.

Oliver Quigley, who trains at Edinburgh Festival Ballet’s part-time school, has spent lockdown working towards his dream of making a mark on the big stage.

"I’ve been taking several Zoom classes with them every week since then and have noticed a big improvement in my technique.”

Oliver, 15, was accepted onto the part-time course at Edinburgh Festival Ballet School, established by the world-famous ballet dancer, choreographer, director and Olivier award-winner Peter Schaufuss.

https://www.fifetoday.co.uk/news/politics/council/fife-quarry-lifespan-extended-by-nine-years-after-operators-plea-3145309

https://www.fifetoday.co.uk/news/people/fife-theatre-launches-free-online-festival-of-comedy-music-and-dance-3145460

Oliver juggles his ballet training with studying at Balwearie High School.

Oliver juggles his ballet training with studying at Balwearie High School.

Schaufuss is the founder of The English National Ballet School who, in a stellar career, has performed and directed all over the world with leading companies including Kirov Ballet, Paris Opera Ballet, Royal Ballet and New York City Ballet.

Oliver, who performed in a virtual show with Edinburgh Festival Ballet in December, said: “When I finish school, I’d like to apply for a place on Edinburgh Festival Ballet’s full-time school to help me achieve my dream of becoming a professional ballet dancer.

"When I dance, I feel like I can really express myself and my ultimate goal is to join a ballet company so I can travel the world while doing what I love.”

Edinburgh Festival Ballet is currently accepting applications for its part-time and full-time schools, with auditions to take place online and in person when possible in the coming months.

School principal Christensen said: “Oliver is a great example of what can be achieved by students at our part-time school. Both sections of the school — part-time and full-time — present opportunities for aspiring dancers to learn from those that have been at the highest level of the dance profession.

“We would welcome applications for our part-time school from dancers across Fife with similar aspirations to Oliver.”

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