A STUDENT is dancing for joy after being selected to join one of the country’s leading professional companies.
Stokesley School dancer Harry Henderson has been chosen by CYD which was formed six years ago by top choreographers Matt Flint and Tom Shilcock and is now considered a leading dance company in the UK.
Matt has worked across many areas of the industry including choreographing hit shows like Strictly Come Dancing, Saturday Night Takeaway and West End and regional musical productions.
Tom is a celebrated producer and choreographer having worked on high profile fashion shows, product launches, corporate events and hair shows.
Harry, 12, of Marton, Middlesbrough, successfully completed auditions to form a group of young, elite, versatile dancers from across the UK who will form the CYD? DANCE STAR CO.
They will meet once a month for the next six months to train with the best tutors to create one of the strongest group of young dancers in the country.
Harry, who dances modern, tap, ballet and contemporary, said: “When I found out I had been selected to be apart of the “CYD? Dance Star Company” I was overjoyed and extremely excited. I have been to a few Can You Dance? events and have loved them all. I can’t thank them enough for this absolutely amazing opportunity.”
His selection comes in the wake of claiming the Champion of Champions accolade at a competition staged in Fleetwood.
A member of Tab’s Studios, Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, and taught by dancer Tab Yousaf, he has been dancing for many years but only competed for the past two.
His dream is to perform in the West End one day. “I would love to dance in Cats,” he said. “I have seen it and was completely mesmerised. I would also like to teach dance and have my own studio.”
Head teacher Catherine Brooker said: “Harry’s passion for dancing is unbridled and we are all thrilled that his talent has been recognised on a national stage.
“We have every confidence in him going from strength to strength and fulfilling his dreams to dance one day in the West End.”