Ballet student, 15, poised for success

AFife teenager has been hailed an outstanding student at a ballet school run by one of the world’s most famous dancers.

Fifteen-year-old Oliver Quigley, from Kirkcaldy, trains at Edinburgh Festival Ballet’s part-time school.

And he has spent lockdown working towards his dream of making a mark on the professional stage.

Oliver, who juggles his ballet training with studying at Balwearie High School, said: “I’ve always loved ballet and have been dancing since I was just three years old.

“I auditioned for a place at Edinburgh Festival Ballet’s part-time school at the start of lockdown and was so excited when I was offered a place.

“I’ve been taking several

Zoom classes with them every week since then and have noticed a big improvement in my technique.”

Edinburgh Festival Ballet School was formed by world-famous ballet dancer Peter Schaufuss.

The Olivier Awardwinning choreographer and director also founded the English National Ballet School.

And he has performed and directed across the world with companies including Kirov Ballet in St Petersburg, and the Royal Ballet.

Oliver performed in a virtual show with Edinburgh Festival Ballet in December.

But he is looking forward to getting back on stage properly.

He said: “It was not being able to audience. strange see the

“I can’t wait until we can get back to performing in front of audiences.”

‘This will help me achieve my dream.”

Oliver intends to apply for a place at the school’s full-time course when he finishes at Balwearie.

“This will help me achieve my dream of becoming a professional ballet dancer,” he said. “When I dance, I feel like can really express myself. “My ultimate goal is to join a ballet company, so I can travel the world while doing what I love.”

Edinburgh Festival continued with classes at its studio in Stockbridge until December, but has since moved into teaching online.

School principal Johan Christensen praised Oliver as a great example of what can be achieved.

“The school presents opportunities for aspiring young dancers to learn from those that have been at the highest level of the dance profession.

“We would welcome applications for our parttime school from keen dancers across Fife with similar aspirations to Oliver.”

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DEDICATION: Oliver Quigley has spent lockdown working towards his dream of making a mark in the world of ballet.

Dancer Oliver Quigley.