It’s a dream come true for a girl from Welshpool who has found out that she has gained a place to perform with the UK’s biggest touring dance company.
Betsy Mills has secured a place as a Can You Dance (CYD)? Dance Star 2023 with the company that is formed from the UK’s best young dancers from ages eight to 18.
The 12-year-old said she “cannot wait” to perform with the group in cities such as Glasgow, Newcastle, and Sheffield later this year.
The aspiring dance choreographer said: “I felt so excited, and I could not believe it. To be part of CYD is a dream come true.
“I cannot wait to be part of it. I will be able to attend training events, amazing conventions, performances and videos with dancers from around the UK."
The Welshpool High School pupil had to get through three rounds at an audition in Leicester which included jazz and contemporary dance, a Matilda workshop with Meesha Garbett, who plays Hortensia, the red beret girl in the 2022 film based on the musical, and freestyle.
“After that I was told they would let us know in a week. It felt like a long week, but I was so pleased with the outcome,” Betsy said.
She was chosen by a panel of leading dance industry experts including CYD? directors Matt Flint, who is a creative director and choreographer for Strictly Come Dancing and Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, and Tom Shilcock, a professional dancer and choreographer who has worked with Rita Ora, Rihanna and Jason Derulo.
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Since she was six years old Betsy has been dancing with Newtown-based Shelley Ann Dance Company, attends ballet and tap classes and travels a 160-mile round trip for classes in Wigan every month.
Betsy’s mum Lynsey said: “I am extremely proud of Betsy. She trains so hard; she really does have to put the work in to be at this level. She attends classes every night and at weekends, so it is a real commitment.
“It is great to see things paying off for her.”
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