11-year-old Breeshey Crookall from the Isle of Man, was the winner of the Royal Academy of Dance’s North West Scholarship Auditions, which took place on Sunday 29 April at William Hulme Grammar School in Manchester.

The Scholarship Auditions saw over 90 candidates ranging from 8 to 13 years of age, experience the challenge of taking a classical ballet class with renowned choreographer Peter Parker, and perform in front of an audience. Selected candidates who showed real confidence in their performance and technique were presented with class trophy awards.

Overall winner, Breeshey, received a trophy and the Jean Brenda Johnson Scholarship cash prize of ?200, for further training in classical ballet. Adjudicator Wendy Arshamian spoke of how deserving a winner Breeshey is:

‘Breeshey was a delightful candidate who showed a natural musicality and joy of dance, she obviously enjoyed every moment of the competition class that she participated in. It was a pleasure to watch her.’

Breeshey trains at Gena’s Dance Academy in Peel, and her teacher Gena Turpin has supported the Scholarship Auditions for many years regularly entering a group from her academy in the event. Gena commented:

‘Breeshey's hard work and passion for dance has been noticed and rewarded.  It was a fantastic day and the level of talent is amazing to watch.  We are very pleased that a Manx dancer won the award and has made the Isle of Man proud!’ 

Previous scholarship recipients have gone on to study dance at White Lodge Dance School, achieved distinctions in RAD exams and played parts in local pantomimes, dancing with celebrities such Cilla Black, Les Dennis and Jennifer Ellison.

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