After three nights of performing in Rare Studio’s sell-out end of year show, two young stars in-the-making from the charitable performing arts school were presented with a life-changing opportunity: a scholarship at the world-famous Broadway Dance Centre in New York.

After graduating from Rare Studio on Wood Street in Liverpool’s city centre, Daisy Ball and Megan Brown will be jetting off across the Atlantic to continue making a name for themselves as up and coming dancers.

Two other young performers have also been granted scholarships in Los Angeles to pursue performing arts careers, living and studying in the city that forms the centre of the world’s entertainment industry. The money can’t buy scholarship will allow the students to dedicate all of their time to doing what they are most passionate about in life.

Daisy Ball, student at Rare Studio, said:

“I’m delighted to have been awarded this scholarship; it’s still sinking in. It’s always been every young dancer and performer’s dream to train in New York and now I’ve been graced with a real once in a lifetime opportunity to make my dream of being a performer come true.”

“I’m massively thankful to everyone at Rare Studio for coaching me, mentoring me, supporting me and helping me get this scholarship. I’ll never forget all the help they’ve given me. I still can’t believe this has happened to me. I’m going to go to New York and make Liverpool proud.”

In addition to the transatlantic scholarships, two acting students who are set to attend schools in England and Wales will receive contributions towards their living expenses, without which they would struggle to support themselves.

As a registered charity, the school helps students to train regardless of their personal circumstances or financial background, evenly giving opportunities to hundreds of Liverpool’s brightest young performers. Classes at Rare Studio are delivered by leading experts within the performing arts industry.

The scholarships were presented to the students on-stage at The Black-E by Paul Corcoran, managing director of Agent Marketing and a trustee for Rare Studio. Support for the scholarships came from Huyton–born IT entrepreneur Mark Furness, who wanted to give something back to the city that made him.

Paul Corcoran, managing director of Agent Marketing, said:

“It’s been a big year for Rare Studio, and the past three nights have showed just how hard all the staff and students have worked throughout the year. Presenting these once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to the young people was the perfect end to a spectacular run of shows.

“Sitting in the audience and watching them give their all has made me more aware than ever that Rare Studio is more than just a performing arts school: it’s a saving grace to young people with big dreams and immense talent but maybe don’t have the opportunities available to them. I’m unspeakably proud to be a part of this life-changing institute.”

The support that Rare Studio gives young people goes far beyond the classroom. Students in difficult circumstances are given pastoral and financial support to help them not just stand on their own two feet, but dance, act and thrive on them.

Last year the team behind Rare Studio opened up Rare School of Fashion, a similar charitable institute that focuses on finding and nurturing the next generation of master designers and stylists.

YB News was in attendance for last night’s show, and Digital Content Manager and Features Writer, Andrew Wright, was hugely impressed:

“It was a truly awe-inspiring night, full of emotion and energy. The hard work, dedication and commitment from the performers and the Rare Studio team paid off with a show of the highest calibre. It was breath-taking and heartfelt in equal measure, and was a showcase of how wonderful the young people of this city are. It was fantastic seeing them receiving their scholarships and prizes at the end, which was testament to the talent on show last night. They are all stars of the future!”

Rare Studio are always eager to talk to organisations about the work they do and how businesses can get involved. To find out more about Rare Studio, visit http://www.rarestudioliverpool.co.uk/, and find them on Twitter at @RareLiverpool and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Rare-Studio-252949314720516/.