11/08/2006
Singer to open Belfast 'Dance and Vocal Studio'
Northern Ireland's youngsters are being given the opportunity to take the first steps to stardom, thanks to a well known Irish performer.
Singer and actress Samantha Mumba is to open a Dance and Vocal Studio in Belfast later this year, with auditions being held next week.
Commenting on the announcement, Ms Mumba said: “I was in Belfast last July to film ‘Johnny Was’ alongside Vinnie Jones, Eric La Salle, Patrick Bergin and Lennox Lewis. I enjoyed being here so much that I vowed to come back soon.
“I’ve been in Los Angeles for the last eight months, finishing two other movies and putting the final touches to my new album, which I’m releasing in December.
“Now that all this is complete, I’ve the time to come back and fulfil my dream to come back to Belfast. Last September, I opened a dance and vocal studio in Dublin: it’s been such a huge success, one of my pupils already has a recording contract with a major label in England and others have secured dance parts, so I just new that my next studio should be opened here in Belfast.”
The school will be available to all children from the age of 6 to 18 years, with two hour lessons – dedicated to vocal training and dance training, specialising in hip hop, jazz and modern, with the emphasis on theatrical dance.
There will also be Saturday classes.
It is understood that not only will Samantha be putting her name to the studio, she will be a hands on tutor herself.
She said: “I am so passionate about my school, and how the teachers train the children, that I personally train all the dancers myself. And that is why I’ll be personally holding auditions next Wednesday (August 16), between 10am to 4pm, in the former Group Theatre at the Ulster Hall.”
Welcoming the launch of Samantha’s new venture, Belfast Lord Mayor Pat McCarthy said:“Belfast is known the world over for the creative of its people. We have a long legacy of highly talented performers, who have made names for themselves all over the globe.
This school will give the next generation their chance to follow in those famous footsteps, to shine in their own right and create a new generation of stars.
“I congratulate Samantha on her initiative, on her confidence in Belfast, and wish her all the best with this exciting development.”
(EF)
Singer and actress Samantha Mumba is to open a Dance and Vocal Studio in Belfast later this year, with auditions being held next week.
Commenting on the announcement, Ms Mumba said: “I was in Belfast last July to film ‘Johnny Was’ alongside Vinnie Jones, Eric La Salle, Patrick Bergin and Lennox Lewis. I enjoyed being here so much that I vowed to come back soon.
“I’ve been in Los Angeles for the last eight months, finishing two other movies and putting the final touches to my new album, which I’m releasing in December.
“Now that all this is complete, I’ve the time to come back and fulfil my dream to come back to Belfast. Last September, I opened a dance and vocal studio in Dublin: it’s been such a huge success, one of my pupils already has a recording contract with a major label in England and others have secured dance parts, so I just new that my next studio should be opened here in Belfast.”
The school will be available to all children from the age of 6 to 18 years, with two hour lessons – dedicated to vocal training and dance training, specialising in hip hop, jazz and modern, with the emphasis on theatrical dance.
There will also be Saturday classes.
It is understood that not only will Samantha be putting her name to the studio, she will be a hands on tutor herself.
She said: “I am so passionate about my school, and how the teachers train the children, that I personally train all the dancers myself. And that is why I’ll be personally holding auditions next Wednesday (August 16), between 10am to 4pm, in the former Group Theatre at the Ulster Hall.”
Welcoming the launch of Samantha’s new venture, Belfast Lord Mayor Pat McCarthy said:“Belfast is known the world over for the creative of its people. We have a long legacy of highly talented performers, who have made names for themselves all over the globe.
This school will give the next generation their chance to follow in those famous footsteps, to shine in their own right and create a new generation of stars.
“I congratulate Samantha on her initiative, on her confidence in Belfast, and wish her all the best with this exciting development.”
(EF)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 December 2001
Belfast to see in New Year with Radio One dance party
Belfast City Council has teamed up with BBC Radio One to present the biggest free dance event Northern Ireland has ever seen this coming New Year's Eve.
Belfast to see in New Year with Radio One dance party
Belfast City Council has teamed up with BBC Radio One to present the biggest free dance event Northern Ireland has ever seen this coming New Year's Eve.
25 January 2011
NI Dancers Premiere At Opera House
Around 50 of Northern Ireland's leading champion festival dancers have come together to form a new dance company under the artistic instruction of renowned teacher, choreographer and producer of NI dance, Dominic Graham.
NI Dancers Premiere At Opera House
Around 50 of Northern Ireland's leading champion festival dancers have come together to form a new dance company under the artistic instruction of renowned teacher, choreographer and producer of NI dance, Dominic Graham.
29 April 2005
NI student dances her way to success
A 22-year-old student from Northern Ireland is dancing her way to success in the BBC’s reality television series ‘Strictly Dance Fever’.
NI student dances her way to success
A 22-year-old student from Northern Ireland is dancing her way to success in the BBC’s reality television series ‘Strictly Dance Fever’.
21 April 2010
Belfast Actors Join World Shakespeare Day
The Bard's birthday is to celebrated in Belfast. The Belfast Actors' Studio - a non-profit training group for professional actors - aim to change the way in which local professional actors approach their craft and at the same time mark World Shakespeare Day (he was born 23rd April 1564).
Belfast Actors Join World Shakespeare Day
The Bard's birthday is to celebrated in Belfast. The Belfast Actors' Studio - a non-profit training group for professional actors - aim to change the way in which local professional actors approach their craft and at the same time mark World Shakespeare Day (he was born 23rd April 1564).
24 October 2023
Strand Arts Centre Receives £4m Levelling-Up Fund
The Strand Arts Centre in east Belfast, Northern Ireland's last remaining Picturehouse, has been awarded more than £4 million from the UK government's Levelling-up Fund. The investment will see a major renovation of the historic Picturehousem into a sustainable, versatile arts space.
Strand Arts Centre Receives £4m Levelling-Up Fund
The Strand Arts Centre in east Belfast, Northern Ireland's last remaining Picturehouse, has been awarded more than £4 million from the UK government's Levelling-up Fund. The investment will see a major renovation of the historic Picturehousem into a sustainable, versatile arts space.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
