Samuel Larsen, Aged 14, Head Boy Danceworld, 2018 – 2020

I have been training at Danceworld since the age of 6 in ballet, tap, modern, contemporary, street dance and musical theatre. I'm  currently studying Grades 6 / Ele in Ballet, Tap & Modern

I love dance and performance and Danceworld has supported and enabled me to keep training for my dance exams whilst also gaining some fantastic performance experience outside. Below are some of the highlights:

In August 2019, I worked with Matthew Bournes New Adventures Dance Company’s youth response piece to Romeo & Juliet called, “Civil Blood” that was performed in front of Matthew Bourne and a packed house at Sadlers Wells theatre.

I’ve danced with London Children’s Ballet between 2016 and 2019 working with inspirational choreographers and ballet mistresses from the Royal Ballet and Birmingham Royal Ballet.  In 2019, I was in their production of “Ballet Shoes” and received the Best Performance Award.  The show went on to be shown by BBC Arts online as part of their “Culture in Quarantine” season.

I’ve also danced with English Youth Ballet between 2015 and 2018 and learnt a lot watching the professional dancers. In 2018, I danced in “Swan Lake” at the New Wimbledon Theatre and received Miss Lewis’ Special Award.

In February 2019 I was invited as a guest dancer to perform as Hilarion in Dulwich School of Ballet’s production of Giselle.

In October 2019, I competed at the BATD Junior Ballet Scholarships in Doncaster and came 1st out of 50 dancers from around the UK. Thanks so much to my Teacher Kerry 

I also love Musical Theatre and being inspired by Sally Ritchie’s teaching; I gained the confidence to audition and perform in many Musical Theatre shows and I start rehearsing with Spirit Young Performers Company soon.

With Danceworld I have competed in numerous dance festivals and competitions, as an individual, in a ballet duet, (thanks to Rochelle) and as part of Danceworld’s Elite Troupe. I’ve also loved being in Danceworld’s shows at Towngate Theatre.  This has been a great training ground and I’ve learnt so much about performing and stagecraft from Danceworld’s great teachers, Kerry, Sally and Lilly.

But besides all this, I just want to say dancing at Danceworld is such great fun! The teachers are lovely and really care about us and some of my happiest times have been at Danceworld!  Thank you so much Danceworld xxx