Journey of Success

Before heading off to university Charlie shares her fabulous KBSK journey.

Charlie’s story is amazing! It’s gone from not having an inkling of the joy dance brings to being accepted on a Musical Theatre Cabaret Course at university and choosing dance to be her life’s career! She attributes her success to KBSK.

Charlie said: “I found my love of dance by accident, on a fun day out in Bodmin with my family. A dance workshop was in full swing. I joined in and loved it!”

Back home, in the village of Polperro, Charlie researched the dance group that ignited her desire to dance and was impressed with what it had to offer. During 2019 Charlie joined KBSK, got active and revelled in the social side it provides.

Charlie said: “There’s only so much parents can do. Young people who are not from rich backgrounds find it very hard to access the performing arts as it’s an expensive thing for parents to put their child through. KBSK, with its mission to make performing arts accessible for all, enabled a way in for me.”

Covid hit just a couple of months after Charlie started dancing. Being isolated didn’t stop the support she received from KBSK. She was invited onto the ‘Confidence Academy’ and spoke to coaches about what she was going through during that hard time.

“Even though I wasn’t contributing to KBSK, the team were there for me and I was really glad of the listening ear and support I received.” said Charlie.

Post Covid, classes re-started, and Charlie could enjoy dancing and socialising again. At the age of 15 or 16 Charlie decided that dance was something she wanted to pursue as a profession. KBSK’s ‘Academy Programme’ was ideal for Charlie. As part of the Senior Academy, it wasn’t just the extra training she gained, which she welcomed gladly, it was being part of a group that became like a family to her. Charlie said: “I could be 100% myself with the group of young women of a similar age to me. I don’t think I’ll ever receive again what I received from this very close-knit group.”

For three years Charlie trained with approximately ten dancers. The group evolved as some went to dance schools or university, and, as younger dancers joined the Senior Academy, Charlie was able to be to them what others had been to her. This reciprocal effect helped pave the way to Charlie’s future career choice.

Charlie said: “I would not have got into a top university course without the training I received with KBSK; the training I never thought I’d receive because of my family background. My parents are very proud of where I’ve got to.”

She added: “KBSK has put me in the best position possible for my next steps.”

Photo credit: Final image Seren Griffiths

Her confidence levels are through the roof. A few years ago, Charlie would not have appeared on stage let alone have hosted a show or felt comfortable being interviewed.

“KBSK has instilled the work ethic I need for the performing arts industry, and how physically and mentally tough I have to be in order to go where I want to go.”

Charlie said.

Off to University

In her formative years Charlie received an education at home and later studied at Callywith College for a Level 3 Diploma in Performing Arts.

Charlie will take her place at the University of Chichester this autumn. She made her choice after hearing good things about its conservatoire and that the Musical Theatre Cabaret Course is the only one in the country. Singing and acting is part of the course but Charlie will specialise in dance. 

Charlie sees her future career in the world of dance, being a dance teacher in an organisation like KBSK (or KBSK itself!) or possibly in a school. Charlie prefers the idea of teaching within the community and says that this is a very big thing for her. She knows first-hand how community dance groups build confidence, help with selecting university courses and career prospects.

Charlie joined KBSK as a reserved teenager and her time with KBSK culminated in compering its Summer Show and performing solo and group dances.

Photo credit: Bluekite Creative

Charlie hopes to share her newfound skills from her university course with KBSK in the holidays. KBSK looks forward to welcoming Charlie back and wishes her the most amazing and successful time ever.