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‘I can really express myself’: Kirkcaldy ballet dancer, 15, sets his sights on the world stage

Oliver Quigley.
Oliver Quigley.

A Fife teenager has been hailed an outstanding student at a ballet school run by one of the world’s most famous dancers.

Fifteen-year-old Oliver Quigley, from Kirkcaldy, trains at Edinburgh Festival Ballet’s part-time school.

And he has spent lockdown working towards his dream of making a mark on the professional stage.

Oliver, who juggles his ballet training with studying at Balwearie High School, said: “I’ve always loved ballet and have been dancing since I was just three-years-old.

“I auditioned for a place at Edinburgh Festival Ballet’s part-time school at the start of lockdown and was so excited when I was offered a place.

“I’ve been taking several zoom classes with them every week since then and have noticed a big improvement in my technique.”

When I dance, I feel like I can really express myself.”

Oliver Quigley.

World famous dancer

Edinburgh Festival Ballet School was formed by world-famous ballet dancer Peter Schaufuss.

The Olivier Award-winning choreographer and director also founded the English National Ballet School.

Peter Shaufuss, left, with school principal Johan Christensen.

And he has performed and directed across the world with companies including Kirov Ballet in St Petersburg, and the Royal Ballet.

Oliver performed in a virtual show with Edinburgh Festival Ballet in December.

But he is looking forward to getting back on stage properly.

He said: “It was strange not being able to see the audience.

“I can’t wait until we can get back to performing in front of audiences.”

‘This will help me achieve my dream’

Oliver intends to apply for a place at the school’s full-time course when he finishes at Balwearie.

“This will help me achieve my dream of becoming a professional ballet dancer,” he said.

“When I dance, I feel like I can really express myself.

“My ultimate goal is to join a ballet company so I can travel the world while doing what I love.”

Edinburgh Festival continued with classes at its studio in Stockbridge until December, but has has since moved teaching online.

Edinburgh Festival Ballet School.

School principal Johan Christensen praised Oliver as a great example of what can be achieved.

“Both sections of the school – part-time and full-time – present opportunities for aspiring dancers to learn from those that have been at the highest level of the dance profession.

“We would welcome applications for our part-time school from dancers across Fife with similar aspirations to Oliver.”