Abbie Garmany, a 15-year-old student from Queensferry High School, has spent lockdown fulfilling her dream of standing out on the big stage by training with Edinburgh’s prestigious Festival Ballet School.
She was accepted into the school’s part-time course, created by the famous ballet dancer, choreographer, director and Olivier Prize winner Peter Schaufuss, who during his distinguished career has performed and conducted all over in the world with leading companies, including Kirov. Ballet, Paris Opera Ballet, Royal Ballet and New York City Ballet.
Abbie, who started dancing with Central Scotland Ballet School in South Queensferry when she was just three years old, said: ‘I fell in love with ballet when I first watched The Nutcracker when I was a child. When I finish my training, I would like to join a professional ballet company so that I can travel the world performing.
“When I was offered a place to train with the Edinburgh Festival Ballet after my audition, I couldn’t believe it. Peter Schaufuss is such a big name in the dance world and training with him is an amazing opportunity.
The Edinburgh Festival Ballet continued its remote lessons until December at its newly refurbished, state-of-the-art Ashton studio in St Stephen Street, but has since moved lessons online.
The prestigious dance school is currently accepting applications for its part-time and full-time schools, with auditions expected to take place online and in person where possible in the coming months.
School Principal Christensen said: “Abbie is a great example of what students can achieve. The two sections of the school – part-time and full-time – provide aspiring dancers with opportunities to learn from those who have been at the highest level of the dancing profession.
“We would welcome applications for our part-time school from dancers across Scotland with aspirations similar to Abbie’s. Students may be on the verge of a dance career or may have never danced before.
Young people aged 12 and over with the ambition of a career in dance can apply for a place at Edinburgh Festival Ballet’s part-time school on the website or through [email protected].
