Rising Teen Performer Scoops Top Tap Dance Scholarship One of East Lancashire’s top teen dance talents has been crowned the winner of the TDCI (Theatre Dance Council International)’s national scholarship senior tap dance final.
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mily Rolfe, aged 17, from Oswaldtwistle, took part in the final at The Marine Hall Theatre in Fleetwood last weekend. Representing the IDTA (International Dance Teacher’s Association) and her Blackburn-based dance school, the Zoe Taylor Dance Academy, Emily performed a showstopping solo and beat off competition from six other top tappers from all corners of the country.
wives Liz and Sarah. The charity was established in 2012 after the death of their son and brother, Daniel Bagshaw. Dan, who was just 27, died on the finish line of an ITU Olympic distance triathlon in Hong Kong after suffering from a sudden and unexplained arrhythmia. Dan was a cycling enthusiast and extremely talented and athletic young lawyer.
to £1,000 per year to older children and teenagers who are passionate and committed to a skill, sport or talent.
Dan’s Trust aims to nurture youngsters within the local community, through its Make A Difference awards scheme. The awards provide donations of up
Charity co-founder and trustee, Ian Baghaw, said: “We are all so proud of Emily and her continued hard work and success with her competitive
Since 2014, the charity has partnered with countless schools, sports teams and drama clubs across Lancashire to identify deserving kids who could benefit from some financial support to further a special talent.
Part of the week-long British Dance Championships, Emily’s prize win includes a £300 scholarship fund to put towards dance tuition, classes and costumes. Emily and the other six finalists were each selected by national dance exam boards to take part in the high level competition. Emily, who is an ambassador for local charity Dan’s Trust, said: “The scholarship means a lot to me because it was an honour to have even been selected to represent the IDTA on Sunday, let alone win the award itself. I have been workshopping and practicing my Michael Jacksoninspired solo since I was asked to take part in early June. “The support and funding I receive from Dan’s Trust helped particularly with the costume for my performance - as this is something I had to put together myself. I also had to attend extra private lessons to practice and learn my choreography which Dan’s Trust’s generous funding helped to pay for.” Dan’s Trust was founded by Peter and Shelagh Bagshaw of Clitheroe, with their sons Ian, Gary, and their
Emily Rolfe with The IDTA President and Director Linda Kalis at the TDCI Scholarship Finals 2022
