In a statement issued today, Direct Academia International, a social enterprise that focuses in talent development, said Aerikka Ho would be enrolled in Ballet West in September.
This places her among renowned international prize-winning dance soloists, including medalists from the prestigious Genée International Ballet Competition and Prix de Lausanne.
Aerikka was among 11 other students awarded a highly sought after place on the UK Ballet Student Exchange Programme (SEP) 2016, but the only one selected to become a full time student at Ballet West.
She will receive a BA (Hons) Dance upon graduation.
“I am grateful for this opportunity as it has given me greater confidence to become a better dancer and fulfil my goals in this art. While I am excited, I am also afraid as change is always scary, but that just fuels my determination to work harder,” Ho said.
Founder and Principal of Ballet West, Gillian Barton, a member of the Royal Academy of Dance and Fellow of Higher Education Academy UK (FHEA), said she found Ho to be the first promising young Malaysian dance talent to join Ballet West, since its establishment 25 years ago.
“Ballet West also tours internationally with sold-out performances in China and our world-class teachers have worked with names like George Balanchine and Margot Fonteyn,” said Barton.
“The UK Ballet Student Exchange Programme is a collaborative initiative between Direct Academia International and Ballet West UK to provide opportunities for Malaysian talents to perform with international soloists. Through this programme, students can experience the international dance scene alongside professional dancers,” he said.
The UK Ballet Student Exchange Programme 2017 will be held from Nov 25-Dec 4 and those who want to audition for it can call 017-2283304 or email [email protected]