Worthing dancer receives full scholarship to prestigious theatre college

Bo Valentine Coles has been dancing at the Jean Butterworth School of Dancing since age four, starting off with ballet but also doing modern and musical theatre as she got older.

On February 19, Bo undertook a gruelling six-hour audition that involved dancing, singing and drama to earn one of just 100 places at the college.

Usually, the college will inform successful applicants within a week and invite them back for a second audition.

In Bo’s case, she was contacted three days later, with the offer of a full scholarship and no need to return for a second audition.

Bo’s mum, Melanie Coles, said: “Bo was totally over the moon when she received the news.

“She was back in the dance studio within an hour of finding out”

Caroline Jenkins, Bo’s dance teacher, said: “This opportunity is absolutely amazing, we are thrilled for Bo.

“She has such a great work ethic – while auditioning for Laine she was also working towards her RAD Advanced 2 ballet exam and doing her GCSE’S. We are very proud.”

Bo will be celebrating her scholarship with a dinner in London this weekend.

Melanie said: “Our whole family is very proud of Bo.”

In recent years Bo has had many successes, competing in Worthing Music and Arts Festival and the Sussex Festival of Performing Arts.

She also won the 2019 ISTD Janet Cram South East regional championship.