Hannah’s shot at ballet glory took her to the Conservatoire
The reaction from children in the audience always excites Hannah Cubitt, who can remember feeling the same way at their age.
“You don’t usually hear an audience react, but when we do the wee shows, it’s a very lively audience and that gives us more adrenaline,” said the 19-year-old from Kirkcaldy.
“I come out in a pink tutu, dressed like a cupcake, and you hear them say ‘Wow!’.
“I first saw the full version of the show in 2013, with my parents, so it’s a surreal and exciting experience to now be involved.”
Hannah began dancing when she was three years old.
When she was in her early teens, Hannah auditioned for Scottish Ballet’s associates programme, which provides training for those aged between primary five and fifth year in secondary school, supplementing the lessons provided by the children’s regular dance teachers.
“It was being part of this programme that made me decide to do this as a job,” she said.
“Half way through my second year, everyone was talking about auditioning for full-time places but I was uncertain. My course leader said to give it a shot.”
Hannah secured one of just 12 places on the BA Modern Ballet course at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
Her graduation ceremony takes place at the Conservatoire on Thursday, but she has already secured her future.
She was offered the opportunity to tour with Scottish Ballet for the winter season of Cinderella and, at the end of the tour, was offered a contract by CEO Christopher Hampson.
“He said he had been watching me develop over the two-month tour, and wanted to offer me a job due to my work ethic,” smiled Hannah.
She added: “It’s an important tour as it gives us an insight into the professional world. I can’t wait.”