Twins take important steps towards dance careers

A set of twin sisters from Cornwall College are proving that it takes two to tango as they dance their way towards their dream careers.

Sixteen year old Keira and Elyse Wallace, who previously attended Newquay Tretherras School, are now both studying the Altitude Dance Diploma at Cornwall College St Austell.

For the twins, who have been dancing since the age of four, the course path they have chosen is fulfilling a dream.

“Dancing is all I’ve ever wanted to do in the future,” Elyse explained.

“My dream is to perform all over the world, on cruise ships and in music performances, specifically doing commercial and jazz styles.”

With its innovative, industry-focused curriculum in areas of performance, teaching and choreography, the dance course at the College is certainly putting the sisters through their paces.

“I love the variety of classes at Cornwall College, and the workshops and opportunities enable me to be a more versatile dancer while developing my knowledge and experience,” Elyse continued.

Elyse’s sister Keira agrees that the continuous challenge of the classes provides “a taste of what the real industry is all about”.

“My sister and I have a good friendly rivalry which I love as we can support, challenge and motivate each other,” Keira continued.

Elyse added that it pushes them to be “the best that we can be, but also enables us to be a great team”.

Part of Cornwall College St Austell’s Creative & Digital Academy, the Altitude Dance diploma offers all learners the ability to work as part of a performing and touring Dance Company. This is paired with continuous practical sessions in a range of styles, providing the essential technical grounding needed to get ahead in the industry.

Study Programme Manager for Dance at Cornwall College St Austell, Shelby Dover, said Keira and Elyse have worked incredibly hard since they have arrived at the College and demonstrate both “resilience and determination”.

“They have been able to rise to the challenges and expectations that the course provides with continuous training, high levels of practical and they are both creative and technical in their own right,” she continued.

“This course is built to develop confidence and challenge learners to grow as individuals. We want our learners to not only develop the technical ability that will support them to be successful, but to understand the important of being creative.

“We look forward to continuing to support them both achieve success on the course and in their future careers.”

Cornwall College St Austell is hosting a virtual open day for all 16-18 year old school leavers on Tuesday 9^th February from 5pm – 7.30pm. To register to attend the event, please visit www.cornwall.ac.uk/events

The Cornwall College Group boasts a new, highly experienced leadership team that is delivering exceptional opportunities, facilities and training to all of its learners.