New York scholarship a ‘dream come true’ for LIPA Dance grad

Clara Kerr, who finished her studies in 2019, headed to New York earlier this year after being awarded the Broadway Dance Centre (BDC) Scholarship by LIPA. “I was absolutely over the moon when I discovered I’d been awarded the BDC scholarship.

“It has always been a dream of mine to dance in New York, and I could not have been more excited to be given the opportunity to do so at such a famous studio.”

Each year a recent LIPA BA (Hons) Dance graduate is awarded the Broadway Dance Centre scholarship, with the winner getting an opportunity to take part in BDC’s elite Professional Semester.

The programme includes multi-disciplinary technique classes, industry seminars, mock auditions and numerous networking opportunities with casting directors, talent agents, and working choreographers. Clara describes the three months as intensive but says the training at LIPA enabled her to make the most of it. “LIPA prepared me really well for this environment. I felt ready and excited to try new things and was not afraid to put myself out there and perform in each class.

“I also feel that LIPA prepared me well with the work ethic and discipline needed to complete a course like the one at BDC, I was able to manage my time well and enjoy every second of dancing, whilst staying injury free and enjoying New York City!”

All of LIPA’s final year dance students are invited to apply in writing for the scholarship. The winner is selected by Dance Department staff based on the quality of their written submission and their overall commitment to learning during their time at LIPA. Clara says it’s a great opportunity. “The chance to train at BDC is honestly a life changing one.

“Being in one of the most amazing cities in the world and dancing every day is just incredible and I can’t thank LIPA enough for this opportunity.”