En pointe for New York dance trip
Ballet star is representing Scotland
Blantyre ballerina Ciarha Mckay is taking a bite out the Big Apple.
The talented teen is jetting off to New York next year as an ambassador for Scottish Ballet.
She won a coveted place on an exchange programme with the renowned New York City Ballet and is fundraising for the opportunity of a lifetime.
Ciarha (14) is in her fourth year at the prestigious Dance School of Scotland and proud mum Ruth this week told the Advertiser: “Ciarha is now in her fourth year at the dance school and progressing really well.
“During the summer she was accepted into the English National Ballet summer intensive programme in London and Elmhurst School of Ballet summer school in Birmingham. She spent an amazing summer dancing.
“She was then extremely lucky to be selected for this amazing opportunity and is beyond excited to be heading to New York to do what she loves.”
During the year-long exchange programme, Ciarha and 15 other young dancers will attend workshops, visit schools, work with renowned choreographers and take in numerous performances.
As well as studying for her exams, Ciarha has to organise a fundraiser to help towards the cost of the trip.
With this in mind she has taken it upon herself to hold a fundraiser within the new function suite in Carrigan’s Blantyre on Saturday, February 11. It will be a night of fun, food, entertainment and raffles with entertainment provided by Gary Bennet.
Ruth added: “She’s working so hard, studying for exams, dancing and organising this fab event.
“The tickets are only £10 each and anyone looking for one can buy them from myself at Carrigan’s coffee shop.
“She is loving this opportunity to encourage the arts and dance in her local community and we are so proud of her.”
Former St Joseph’s Primary pupil Ciarha, of Marylees Road, has already tread the boards in dozens of stage shows, including pantomimes at Motherwell Concert Hall and the Mitchell Theatre in Glasgow. She is now looking forward to taking her love for ballet further afield and is relishing her trip to The Big Apple.
Ciarha said this week: “I am so excited to be part of the exchange project and I am so thankful to Scottish Ballet for the amazing opportunity.
“I would also like to thank my mum, dad, all my family and friends and my teachers for their love and support.”