A local Penzance dancer has earned a scholarship to the prestigious Addict Dance Academy in Leicester.

Jago Mottart, of Big Dance Company was awarded the fully funded scholarship after impressing a panel of internationally acclaimed judges at the All Styles competition in early November.

Jago was told in front of a packed-out crowd that he had been selected for the prize based upon his performances throughout Encore Weekend 2018, which saw over a thousand young dancers take part in a weekend-long event.

It was the first year that the event offered scholarships to winning dancers, and Jago was the male dancer chosen for the Judge’s Choice Award. He will now have the opportunity to train professionally and Addict alumni have previously gone on to dance for the likes of Ed Sheeran, MTV and the X Factor among others.

Fiona Richardson has trained Jago since the age of seven and was pleased for her student. “Jago is a great role model in our dance company,” she said.

“His attention to detail and choices he makes as an artist are unique and personal. In every single class he takes, whether it’s ballet or hip-hip, Jay works at the same level with respect and passion.”

Despite Jago’s departure from the Big Dance Company, Fiona insists she and the company are excited for his future. “I am going to be so sad when he leaves, but so proud,” she said. “I cannot wait to see where this journey will take him, and we are behind him all the way.”

Jago was also awarded several medals and trophies throughout the competition and drew the attention of judges and Addict representatives.

“My eyes, as well as others, were drawn to Jago,” said Jennifer Mitchell, Addict representative. “He showed his capability in a variety of styles. This young dancer doesn’t shy away from his height.”

Without support, aspiring dancers can often expect to pay around £10,000 a year in fees and more for accommodation, travel for auditions and call backs for places. With new scholarships in place however, more young dancers will get the opportunity to advance their careers to a professional level.