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28 September 2007

AN AMBITIOUS performing arts student from Peterborough has got a part in one of the most successful musicals of all time. Laura White (21), of Church Street, Northborough, is going to be an ensemble dancer and an understudy for the part of Carmen Diaz in the european tour of Fame the Musical, which centres around a group of young people who audition to study at New York City's High School of Performing Arts.

Miss White who gained a BTEC National Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre and an award for the "best musical theatre student" at Bodyworks Company Dance Studios, in Cambridge, in July this year, was called for a two-day audition at Pineapple Dance Studios, in Covent Garden, this month.

The former Arthur Mellows Village College pupil said: "I was gobsmacked when I found out I got the part. It's amazing – it's what I've been working towards for the past three years. Fame has always been a musical I've wanted to be in because it's really dancy.

"But I never imagined to get my first job so quickly because it takes months for some people."

The four-and-a-half-month tour will take Miss White to the Czech Republic – where rehearsals begin on October 3 – Belgium, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Denmark.

She said: "It's nerve-wracking because it's my first job and I'll be meeting the cast for the first time at the airport on the day I fly off. But I'm looking forward to meeting new people, getting on stage and being paid for it. Being able to travel to different countries is a bonus."

Miss White began dancing at the age of 13. She joined dance classes run by Mel Carmassi at Fit to Dance at Peterborough Regional College and then went on to study for a BTEC National Diploma in Performing Arts at the college at 16 years of age.

She said: "It started off as a hobby and has progressed from their. In the next five to 10 years I would like to perform on London's West End – I would love to play Rizzo in Grease."

Mel Carmassi, Laura's former dance teacher, said: "Laura has total commitment and dedication and that extra sparkle. She's very feisty and has a personality that makes the grade. Her dynamics are excellent. She has that extra quality a performer needs and stands out from the crowd."

Sally White, Laura's mother said: "I'm really proud of her. She's worked incredibly hard. I'm over the moon that she's got the part."

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