Alnwick teenager takes her first steps at top dance school

Cora Drummond secured a place at Bird College in Sidcup, a renowned training college, where she is now studying for a degree in dance and musical theatre.

The 19-year-old auditioned against hundreds of hopefuls back in February.

The Covid pandemic did look as if things would be on hold for a while but fortunately the college has been able to resume its training programme.

Cora was a pupil of the Alnwick Academy of Dancing from the age of three and has appeared in numerous local productions.

Principal teacher Carole Moseley said: “It was obvious from the start that she was destined for great things. We wish Cora the very best with her training and have every expectation that they will see her perform in London.”

During her training with the academy she took examinations in ballet with the Royal Academy of Dance and modern theatre, jazz and tap with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance.

She currently holds the highest percentages ever gained for exams by a student at the academy - 98% in modern jazz and 96% in ballet.

The former Duchess Community High School pupil gained either A grades or Distinctions for every examination taken, including the RAD Advanced 1 ballet examination and Advanced 1 Modern Theatre.

The Covid pandemic prevented Cora from taking her Advanced 2 modern theatre examination in July but it is hoped she will return to Alnwick and do this in the future.

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