BORN TO PERFORM

At the end of April, and for the second year running, Nana (9CG) won the top individual prize at the Commonwealth Society of Teachers of Dance (CTSD) Thailand Dance Grand Prix. Now in its sixth year, this is one of the best known and highly regarded dance competitions in Thailand.  

Nana outshone a field of 1,400 fellow dancers to retain her title, earned for her outstanding solo performances across several different categories; classical ballet, lyrical, modern jazz, national, improvisation, and Nana’s favourite style, contemporary. 

The victory secured Nana qualification into the prestigious Asia Pacific Dance Competition, which will be hosted in Thailand later this year, but which has previously allowed her to compete in Malaysia, Singapore, Macau and the Philippines. It also earned her the honour of receiving her winning prize, “The Royal Solo Aggregate Cup”, from H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri; fitting perhaps for someone who at the age of 3 was inspired to take up dancing by a princess story. Since then she’s worked hard to forge her very own fairytale career in the art, though alongside the hard work, she says she also finds real joy, a unique opportunity to express herself and a unparalleled sense of freedom.

This is Nana’s first term at Shrewsbury, having moved from another international school in Bangkok after the Songkran break. We’re extremely lucky to welcome such talented students into our community, and whilst we’re looking forward to Nana’s contribution to the dance scene in the school (House Cheerleading coming up next term – watch this space!) we’re also glad to hear that she’s embracing the different opportunities on offer here at Shrewsbury, notably putting her graceful moves to good use on the basketball court! She’s also looking forward to exploring her talents on a different stage when she starts her GCSE drama course next year. Nana’s got a busy summer ahead before that though as she travels to the UK to take part in a dance summer programme.

Of course, moving to a new school at any age can be a challenging time, but Nana is particularly grateful to Shrewsbury’s Learning Mentors for helping her to settle in to her new surroundings. Nana, we know that they, and the rest of the community, are extremely proud of you!