A talented young Keady dancer has secured a place in a professional training programme to run ahead of the Belfast International Ballet Festival.
Darcy Deveney has nabbed a well-deserved place in the highly-sought after ‘High Points Youth Ballet Summer Intensive’ as part of the festival from July 27 to August 1.
The professional training programme runs over two weeks ahead of the main festival, and will lead to a performance at The MAC, Belfast on July 31.
Darcy currently attends LM School of Dance and is 12 years old.
She recently attended the Dance World Cup and received an outstanding 98% in her Grade 3 ballet exam resulting in a platinum distinction!
She says that, “dance is my happy place, and I love how it makes me feel.”
The ‘Summer Intensive’ Training Programme provides an opportunity for promising young dancers from across Northern Ireland to experience professional training from internationally acclaimed dancers and teachers.
Now in its third year, Belfast International Ballet Festival brings together more than 50 young dancers, professional artists and ballet enthusiasts from Northern Ireland, Ireland, Scotland, England, Portugal and Türkiye.
Home-grown ballet talent including Luc Burns and Anna McCoy will return to reconnect with Northern Ireland and share their skills and experience with local audiences and young dancers.
Students will also learn from distinguished guest teachers Sara Maria Barton, Artistic Director of Scotland’s S-MB Company, and Ayfer Zeren, former Artistic Director of Istanbul State Opera and Ballet.
Rana O’Brien, Managing Director of High Points Youth Ballet CIC, said: “Congratulations to Darcy, we are delighted to welcome her to our ‘Summer Intensive’.
“Belfast International Ballet Festival celebrates the calibre of ballet talent and ambition we have here in Northern Ireland, and we are thrilled to have representation from across the country with dancers like Darcy.
“A central aim of the Festival is to allow young dancers to work alongside and share the stage with role models from Northern Ireland who have established international careers in ballet. We are excited to showcase the talent we have here and to give young dancers a meaningful opportunity to learn, perform and be inspired.”
Belfast International Ballet Festival is supported by Belfast City Council.
Tickets will be available from: https://themaclive.com/your-visit/belfast-international-ballet-festival
For more information, follow High Points Youth Ballet and Belfast International Ballet Festival on social media.
