Johnny dances to his own beat
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at WSBPA and I am looking forward to what the future may bring”
CASTLEBRIDGE native Jonathan Smith is one step closer to achieving his dream after completing a tailor-made course in dancing and performing arts under the tutelage of Suzanne O’Leary and her team.
Having joined The Wexford School of Ballet and Performing Arts at the age of 12, Jonathan was a late starter to dance but he soon discovered that it was a passion he wanted to pursue. Owing to his dedication, Suzanne offered him the opportunity to avail of a tailor-made course which would allow him to pursue his dreams of becoming a dancer, teacher and choreographer.
Jonathan, or ‘Jonny’ as he is best known around Wexford, has achieved his major vocational exams through the WSBPA. He received a high distinction in his Intermediate Modern Theatre Dance exam with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing. He also achieved distinction in his Solo Performance Award with the Royal Academy of Dance, being the first male in Ireland to do so. He recently undertook his Intermediate Ballet exam with the RAD and is awaiting his results.
He also worked with numerous primary and secondary schools around Wexford and was accepted to study with renowned London-based examiner Linda Sweetzer.
‘Being able to study in my hometown allowed me to continue to be a part of the vast array of local theatre groups and societies that Wexford is famous for,’ he said. ‘I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at WSBPA and I am looking forward to what the future may bring.’