Robynn’s stage set for dream career

A LOCAL aspiring star of the stage is counting the days until she can begin training for her dream career after landing a coveted place at The MGA Academy of Performing Arts in Edinburgh.

Robynn Butler, a pupil at Plockton High School, will start a three-year HND Dance course at The MGA Academy this summer after impressing staff during an intensive audition.

After gaining entry to one of Scotland’s leading performing arts academies, 17-year- old Robynn, from Kyle of Lochalsh, has set her sights on carving out a career on stage.

Robynn said: ‘When I was little, I wanted to be the best ballerina in the world, but I was terrible – like an elephant.

‘Aged 12, I really started enjoying jazz and, from there, started to try other types of dancing.

‘The MGA Academy was my first choice. I’d looked at a few colleges and academies but really hoped to get into MGA.’

Robynn, whose love of dancing began as a youngster at Kyle Primary School, has attended dance classes in Broadford and Kyle of Lochalsh run by Lorayne McLucas Performing Arts.

Her summer move to Edinburgh signals an important step on Robynn’s path to becoming a professional performer.

‘The first time I visited Edinburgh was for The MGA Academy’s open day in February and the only other time was for the audition a few weeks later,’ explained Robynn.

‘I had been to another audition in Glasgow, but The MGA Academy felt so welcoming. I’m looking forward to working on my technique and on different styles of dance, as well as gaining performing experience.

‘I already do lyrical and contemporary dance, but the course teaches tap, ballet and more.

‘Going to The MGA Academy will help expand my repertoire as well as my creativity.’

Andrew Gowland, Managing Director of The MGA Academy, said: ‘ We look forward to welcoming Robynn to The MGA Academy. She is already very talented and impressed all the staff during her audition, but we are confident the training she receives here will ensure she improves as a performer and help her achieve her dream of being on stage.’