Dance scholar rewarded

A PERFORMING arts student from Langholm has won a coveted scholarship for a year’s free tuition.

Melissa Park made it a double celebration when, on her 18^th birthday, she received the annual Razzmataz scholarship award, which is a huge achievement.

Mum Lisa said: “When it was announced on the Razzamataz Facebook page and she had read and finally taken it in, she couldn’t stop shaking, bless her.”

After receiving her certificate, Melissa said: “I’m delighted and overwhelmed to have won and received this fantastic opportunity.

“I’m extremely passionate about performing arts and wish one day to make this my career.
“I have to thank everyone for all their encouragement and effort in helping me aspire to become the performer I have always wanted to be.”

Debbie Mitchell, principal of Razzmataz Carlisle, added: “Melissa has been rewarded with a year’s free tuition at Razzmataz Carlisle and was praised by the judges for her outstanding entry.

“Huge congratulations to Melissa. We’re very proud of her and can’t wait to see what her scholarship year has in store for her.”

The Stage is a very respected national newspaper for the performing arts industry and this is an enormous benefit for Melissa to be able to say that she was awarded a Razzamataz scholarship in association with The Stage. The scholarship has been created to give children the opportunity to participate in the performing arts and are part of Razzamataz’s dedication to make performance training accessible to young people all over the country.

The scholarships were available to current students and those that do not attend the part-time theatre school. The young people were asked to film a short demo of no more than two minutes long showing them performing either a musical theatre song and dance, street dance, pop song, drama improvisation or scripted drama piece.

Melissa was praised for her performance of a lyrical dance piece.

The judges’ feedback said: “The choreography was stunning, the music choice appropriate and the performance well executed.

“Your interpretation of the lyrics was beautiful, and the performance showed not only your skills as a dancer and choreographer but also as an actress.”

“It wasn’t just about raw talent. The applicants had to show a really strong dedication to the performing arts,” said Debbie Mitchell, principal of Razzamataz Carlisle.

“We looked for those who showed a maturity and a real desire to learn and we were delighted to offer Melissa the scholarship.”

Melissa said: “I’m delighted and overwhelmed to have won and received this fantastic opportunity.

“I’m very passionate about performing arts and wish one day to make this my career.”

Lisa added: “We’re very proud and grateful that Melissa has received this amazing award. We know how much Razzamataz and the performing arts mean to her.”

Razzamataz Carlisle is offering small, interactive online classes and free activities to engage children via social media during the summer.

Plans are being made for its COVID-secure reopening in September, which includes meeting all safety standards as set out by its head office.

To find out more contact carlisle@razzamataz.co.uk