Gibraltar exchange award

Janice Felices - The first dancer from Gibraltar to appear in the Sussex Festival of Performing Arts.

Janice Felices - The first dancer from Gibraltar to appear in the Sussex Festival of Performing Arts.

 
 

 In 2011 Seamus Bryne and Jacquie Storey introduced a twinning scheme. Gibraltar International Festival and Sussex Festival of Performing Arts initiated a scheme which has grown into a “special relationship”. The scheme has proved to be very successful and offers young dancers from both festivals the opportunity to experience different dance styles and new cultures.

Our criteria for selection is simple. The adjudicator is asked to select and dancer who they feel would benefit from the experience but the performer must have taken part in at least 4 solo classes in our festival.

The recipient will travel to Gibraltar with expenses paid to an agreed sum. One guardian may accompany the performer. They are invited to enter free into any solo classes and to take part in the Championship.

“I had an amazing time dancing in Gibraltar last year. Everybody there was really friendly and encouraging. It was so interesting - especially the flamenco which I had never seen before. Thank you!”

- Eleanor Vince 2011

 

“Gibraltar made us SO welcome and Ollie will have the memories of the trip of a lifetime. Thank you for making it possible.”

- Oliver Charman 2014

 

“What a wonderful final evening we had in Gibraltar, thank you so much to Sussex Festival for giving us this amazing opportunity!!”

- Tara Holland 2017

 

“My experience at the Gibraltar International Dance Festival was unreal and incredible. From the moment I got off the plane everyone was so welcoming. Thank you for the most amazing experience which has given me memories I will treasure for ever”

- Scarlett Brown 2022

 

“The atmosphere was amazing. Dancers from different countries, speaking different languages, yet all connected by our shared passion for dance. Thank you to Seamus and the wonderful team at M.O. Productions for their constant kindness and support.”

- Emily Tonsi 2024

 

“It was nerve racking to be there, but the girls from Gibraltar and their teachers were very welcoming. The gala was fantastic. I am very grateful that I had the experience”

- Chrissie Bhima 2012

 

“I was very proud to be selected from so many great dancers, I was the only dancer from the UK but everyone was really supportive. It was the chance of a lifetime.”

- Ellie Mizen 2016

 

“I really enjoyed watching the other competitors who displayed a number of different styles and demonstrated excellent levels of talent.”

- Rosabella Murphy 2018

 

“Seamus and his team were so friendly and welcoming. I was so honoured to be able to share the stage with such incredible dancers who I now consider my friends. The icing on the cake was being awarded Most Promising Female dancer!  What a once in a life time opportunity - thank you”

- Louisa Best 2023

DANCERS FROM SUSSEX WHO VISITED GIBRALTAR

2011 ~ Eleanor Vince

2012 ~ Chrissie Bhima

2013 ~ Talia Wenstone

2014 ~ Oliver Charman

2015 ~ Bethany Clark

2016 ~ Ellie Mizen

2017 ~ Tara Holland

2018 ~ Rosabella Murphy

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2019 ~ Harvey Pearce

2020 ~ Not awarded

2021 ~ Not awarded

2022 ~ Scarlett Brown

2023 ~ Louisa Best

2024 ~ Emily Tonsi

 

DANCERS FROM GIBRALTAR WHO VISITED SUSSEX

Janice Felices 2011, Nicole Victor, Sarah Anne Mclaren & Caitlin Rodriguez 2015, Amy Avellano 2017, Fay Gomez 2018, Amy Wink 2019, Chenille Bown 2021, Caitlin Rodriguez 2024

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 We are delighted that this scheme has proved rewarding. The opportunity to compete with dancers from Spain, Italy and even further afield is an invaluable education and experience. The festival which is part of British Federation of Festivals is held at the John MacIntosh Halls in the evenings leaving the days free to explore Gibraltar with a trip to the top of the rock to visit the Barbary apes always included by our hosts. The Festival ends with a fabulous party for all the dancers, teachers, festival staff and families.