Dance dreams for Inverness TFX Performing Arts Academy scholarship winner Edward Mackenzie
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"It’s not really just a hobby, dance is part of my life and part of who I am,” says Edward Mackenzie.
He was only three when he first took up dance classes at TFX Performing Arts Academy and now the 16-year-old is one of the winners of the Inverness Courier’s scholarships which will give them one year of fully funded musical theatre classes at the school.
Attending jazz, musical theatre and working with the performance company at the school, the Inverness Royal Academy pupil has already featured at Eden Court’s pantos on five occasions, as well as a dream performance at Wembley Stadium in 2016.
He recalled: “With TFX we performed during a half-time show with a singer called Foxes. I remember there were loads of dance schools there, and I believe we were the only ones from the Highlands. I was about nine or 10 then and we performed in front of 80,000 people.
“Thinking about it now it feels quite scary, but at the same time I got to show off my skills to so many people.
“Now, jumping on a stage, I don’t think twice.”
Growing up in Inverness, there is one place that Edward is particularly fond of.
He said: “You don’t think of Inverness as a big place, but we have had Eden Court for years – I have grown up with it and it’s such a big part of my life. It’s been such a milestone for me: I have done pantomime and showcases with TFX there, and it’s somewhere where I spend a lot of my time. It’s a consistent place to have here and I love it.”
Although on the dance floor he likes to try different genres, there is one that has a special place in his heart.
He said: “I do absolutely everything , even stuff that I don’t do classes with I will watch and try to do at home in my spare time.
“If I had to pick a favourite it would have to be jazz, because it’s so varied, you have so many styles and variations, there is so much to do and you can’t get bored.”
For a young talent such as Edward, lockdown was a really difficult time. He said: “Being back has been amazing. When Covid struck, it felt like I lost a part of my life. Dance is one of the things that makes me who I am and not doing it, I felt really empty, like I had lost a part of me.”
Although he admitted being quite laid back in terms of plans for the future, he is looking towards the Scottish capital, or even schools abroad, but one thing is for sure: “Preferably I’d find my way in dance; dance has been my thing forever, and musical theatre is a big part of it, there is so much variety and it’s just fun!”
Commenting about being awarded the scholarship, he said: “It’s been amazing so far, it’s a great thing and I really do think it can help me in the future for getting out there.
“It gives me a step up and a foot in the door to get new opportunities.”
