Déda Academy Dancer Secures First Role

A young dancer who is a member of the Déda Academy’s award-winning Youth Performance Company Bounceback recently clinched her first role with a professional theatre company.

Martyna Kupczak (17) from Derby, a sixth form student at St Benedict Academy, was invited to submit a video of her performing the audition choreography to Birmingham Stage Company ahead of their performance of ‘Gangsta Granny’ at Derby Theatre in November.

This was Martyna’s first role with a professional company and she is hoping that the experience will enhance her future career aspirations as a professional dancer. Martyna started dancing at a young age and joined the Déda Academy programme three years ago.  She said: “Birmingham Stage Company contacted Déda, inviting us to audition for the show. I had to learn a short choreography, video it and then send it over to them. “I was delighted when they contacted me saying that I had the part to dance in the show. My solo piece was in a disco style so very different from the contemporary style that we focus on with Bounceback. “However, contemporary dance if very flexible and individual so it prepares you for all sorts of different dance styles and I think that’s what gave me the edge in this audition. “We did nine performances of ‘Gangsta Granny’ and I loved the whole experience of being part of a professional company and performing on stage at Derby Theatre.”

Déda’s Head of Dance Development and Learning Clare Limb added: “We are extremely proud of Martyna’s success with Birmingham Stage Company. “Our Academy programme and our BA Hons Dance degree in partnership with the University of Derby is very much focused on broadening young dancers’ horizons. “Our links in the dance and theatre world, the quality of our teaching and performance programme and the work experience opportunities available here and with our partner organisations, ensure that young people at Déda have a wide range of skills and open doors to numerous exciting careers in the creative industries – whatever their aspirations.”

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