WARRINGTON schoolboy Alex Caggegi is set to become the first ever mainstream education British boy to train with the world famous Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow, Russia.
Alex, aged 16, currently in his last year at St Gregory’s Catholic High School and Warrington’s very own “Billy Elliot”, is only the fourth ever British boy to be accepted at prestigious ballet school in it’s 239 year history, the other three all coming from vocational dance schools.
He now needs to find £15,000 a year to help fund his time at the Bolshoi and also learn to speak Russian!
“I sent a DVD off to the academy showing class work and a classical and contemporary solo and was shocked when they emailed me back saying I had been offered a full three year course.”
Alex, who has been a member of the Kate Simmons Dance School for eleven years has progressed through the grades and is now working towards an Advanced 2 Cecchetti Ballet exam. As well as ballet he also does tap and jazz and plays in a brass band.
“I am really going to miss my family and friends but this is a fantastic opportunity,” said Alex, who hopes the experience will help ensure him a career with a top company.
While he would love the opportunity of appearing with the Bolshoi Ballet Theatre, he realises there is little chance, as Russian students generally fill all the available spaces.
He has already gained experience performing around the country in various shows and has won various awards, most recently the Ateneo Danza Summer School Scholarship in the Cecchetti International Classical Ballet Competition in July, an event which attracts dancers from all over the world.
His inspiration is Mikhail Baryshnikov, a dancer with the Kirov Ballet, American Ballet Theatre and New York City Ballet.
Alex has already had a taste of Russia while on holiday in the country to watch the Bolshoi Ballet Theatre in action. He will start his training on September 1 for the next three years.
“The training will be rigorous. I will not only dance ballet but also contemporary, pas de deux, historical dance and have a one and a half hour Russian lesson every day!
“I will definitely miss my dancing school, it has given me so many great memories over the years and the quality of the training is phenomenal, but I am so excited to begin my time in Russia.”
Now Alex and his family are busy fund-raising by organising a variety of events. He is also looking for sponsors and donations which can be made at the website by CLICKING HERE
5 Comments
What a great story and just goes to show what hard work and dedication can bring. Alex is a great role model for other young people.
Thanks for that comment, yes, Alex has worked extreemly hard and will continue to do so. Credit also must be given to Kate Simmons and rest of the wonderful teaching staff at KSdance. Alex could not have had a better foundation.
(Alex’s mum)
I personally worked with Alex’s lovely mum Louise who was also a professional dancer. She is an amazing lady her own story is inspirational and she has done an amazing job raising Alex and her support has led him to this opportunity. They both deserve everyones support so please spread the word and help in any way that you can. Together we can all make their dreams a reality now.
CONGRATULATIONS alex all that hard work has paid off. may i wish you all the very best in this fabulous career. and i look forward to seeing your name up in lights one of these day. well done.
WELL DONE! and Good Luck Alex.