Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Top Dance Scholarship “an amazing feeling”
December 1 2008
Top Dance Scholarship “an amazing feeling”
New Zealand’s top dance scholarship has been awarded to 20-year-old Kyle Wood, securing him a place in the Royal New Zealand Ballet (RNZB) for 2009.
The Brisbane-born dancer was awarded the Todd Scholarship at the New Zealand School of Dance’s graduation ceremony in Wellington yesterday.
The scholarship is awarded annually to an outstanding graduate from the school. It will contribute to Kyle’s salary for his first year with the RNZB.
“I’m really honoured to be the next recipient of
the Todd Corporation Scholarship,”
Kyle says.
“I performed with the company during Romeo and Juliet while I was still studying at the New Zealand School of Dance, and it was a brilliant experience. So being selected to join as a fulltime company member is an amazing feeling. I’m really looking forward to working with the dancers and staff.”
Kyle studied for three years fulltime at Queensland Dance School of Excellence and then travelled to Wellington in 2006 to commence his training at New Zealand School of Dance.
In his second year he danced with West Australian Ballet for three months, performing in Simon Dow’s production of Alice. In 2008 he danced with the Royal New Zealand Ballet for their seasons of Red and Christopher Hampson’s Romeo and Juliet. He graduated with a Diploma in Dance Performance in 2008.
Chairman of the Todd Corporation, John Todd, said that he was delighted to offer the scholarship for a talented dancer from the School of Dance to join the Royal New Zealand Ballet. “The award will provide Kyle with the opportunity to embark on his dancing career with a company which is producing work of the highest international standards.”
“I am thrilled that the company can offer Kyle Wood the Todd Corporation Scholarship for 2008. Having already worked with the company during Romeo and Juliet, Kyle was a natural choice to join the ranks of the RNZB full time. I look forward to working with him,” says Gary Harris, Artistic Director, RNZB.
ENDS
University of Auckland: Tributes Flow For Much Loved Pacific Leader Melegalenu’u Ah Sam
NZEI: Ministry Of Education Cuts Will Disproportionately Affect Pasifika
Day One Hapai te Haeata: Call To Action For Young Filmmakers Against The Backdrop Of Funding Cuts
Toyota New Zealand: Three Races For Top Three To Decide TR86 Title
Wellington City Council: Wellington Is All Action Stations For The Faultline Ultra Festival
Melanie Allison: Local Playwright Casts A Spell Over Hamilton