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A local young dancer has secured a second-place silver medal at the recent Dance World Cup finals in Offenburg, Germany. 18-year-old Rowan Chateau from St Helier, was one of 20 finalists in her Ballet section and is now the highest placed British ballet dancer in her age category for the last four years.
Over 4,000 competitors at what is now the world’s largest amateur dance competition travelled from as far away as Macau, Hong Kong and Portugal and Rowan was clearly shocked when her name was announced in front of the packed theatre.
Rowan said “I was completely surprised when they read out my name, I didn’t expect it all. The level of the dancers is so high, especially in the ballet section and I made sure I didn’t watch the other competitors while I was waiting back stage – there were lots of happy tears…”
Chairman of the Dance World Cup Mr John Grimshaw was also delighted with the result. He said “…As the Jersey team Captain, Rowan bringing a medal home to Jersey is wonderful. I am so proud of what she has achieved and she really puts Jersey on the world stage in what is a tough dance competition. We had competitors from over 45 countries this year and the standard just keeps getting better. Each year at the Dance World Cup you see students return who have improved and worked so hard over the previous 12 months – you get to watch them grow and mature into these amazing dancers many of whom go on to bigger and better things...”
Well known locally in the dancing scene and having competed in numerous Eisteddfod’s Rowan is looking forward to starting at Bird College, Kent in September, studying for a degree in Dance and Musical Theatre.
Rowan said “…I’ve been dancing since I was three and simply love it – I’ve had brilliant training at Silhouette Studios of Performance, formally First Tower School of Dancing and have been lucky enough to take part in many productions, competitions, workshops and performances. Jersey has so much talent and local dancers are really fortunate to have lots of opportunities – such as the Royal Ballet show with Lauren Cuthbertson earlier this year as part of the Liberation Music Festival…”
Although college is only a few months away, Rowan already has a very busy schedule as she was recently awarded the runner-up in the Miss Battle of Flowers competition at the Jersey Arts Centre.
Fitting in dance rehearsals, A-level studies at Hautlieu and preparations for the Miss Battle event was a challenge, but something she relishes.
Rowan continued “…I’ve always enjoyed being busy and if opportunities come up, you have to grab them with both hands and find a way to make them work. I am very excited about attending Bird College and can’t wait to see what the future holds…”
