Delighted dancer Sam is top of the Scots
She’s chosen for elite school
13.11.2017 A talented Paisley performer is two-stepping her way to success after being chosen for an elite dance school.
Sam Reid, 20, was selected for a place in the National Youth Dance Company of Scotland ( NYDCS) – the flagship contemporary dance company for Scotland’s exceptional young dancers.
The Renfrewshire girl was chosen by professionals at YDance (Scottish Youth Dance) after a rigorous audition process which saw 60 of Scotland’s most talented young dancers apply for one of 13 spaces.
Launched in 2012 by YDance – the national dance organisation for children and young people in Scotland – NYDCS members work with expert teachers to develop their technical, creative and performance skills through a series of creation intensive weekends.
Members also have the opportunity to perform both nationally and internationally at a number of high-profile events and festivals.
Sam, who studies dance at Middlesex University in London, started dancing at the age of three and later joined Paisley company Right2Dance, aged eight.
Being picked for NYDCS is her latest achievement as she continues to chase her performing dreams.
Sam said: “This has been a dream of mine ever since I saw the company perform when I was younger.
“It inspired me to want to be part of NYDCS, sharing skills and developing them with other dancers.”
Sam will now join 12 other dancers to work with YDance artistic director and NYDCS choreographer, Anna Kenrick, to create an exciting new piece to be premiered in February 2018 and toured nationally and internationally until August.
In March, the company will jet off to Melbourne, Australia to take part in an exchange and performance opportunity with Yellow Wheel Dance Company.
Anna added: “NYDCS was formed to ensure that the extremely talented young contemporary dancers we have in Scotland have an opportunity to show their talent to the rest of the country, UK and world.
“This year the talent at the audition was incredible, making it hard to select only 13.
“However, the ones who made it through did shine with their incredible technical skills and creative voice which showed individuality and honesty. They showed they had what it takes to be a member of the company.
“I’m sure this company is going to flourish and together we will create a new piece which will show audiences the talent they have.”