Talented dancer wins scholarship to renowned performing arts school

Abbie Holt

A talented dancer from Norden has won a scholarship to a performing arts school in Chester.

Abbie Holt, 16, was awarded a scholarship to begin a September course at The Hammond just one day after an extensive day-long audition alongside scores of other hopefuls from across England and Europe.

The Hammond is renowned throughout the world of performing arts for providing outstanding dance and musical theatre training.

Abbie will be studying a national diploma in musical theatre before converting it to a degree, plus a BTEC level three diploma in music, and an additional qualification in Pilates and Zumba alongside practical dance and singing.

Her audition consisted of a solo choreographed by her dance teacher Gemma Singleton, plus performances in ballet, jazz and contemporary, two monologues, two songs from Matilda and Les Misérables, and a 10-minute interview before a panel of four.

The former Oulder Hill pupil, who holds a number of IDTA qualifications, has been performing with Singleton’s Dance Academy for twelve years and was previously selected to appear in the musical rendition of classical novel Jane Eyre in Preston last year.

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/138/community-news/111430/abbie-holt-chosen-to-perform-in-jane-eyre-the-musical

Her proud parents, Mike and Della Holt, said: “Abbie has done amazingly well to get in. She will live with a host family for her three years there, whom we met last week.

“A lot of the students who attended the Hammond have gone to work in the West End, cruise ships, abroad and also on television.

“Abbie has an amazing opportunity. She will spend time in London at the West End and directors and casting agents will have access to the students throughout the course and once they complete it, so hopefully she will be snapped up.

“The scholarship is for gifted and talented students, so we are really excited for her.”

Dance teacher Gemma said: "A huge congratulations to our beautiful Abbie Holt, who has been granted a full scholarship for all three years at The Hammond School. These scholarships are given to students who show extra talent and potential and we couldn’t be prouder of her."