Spanish success for ballet mad Gracie

A DUMFRIES ballerina was en pointe at the The Dance World Cup in San Sebastián last month. Gracie Rae, 19, placed 38th in the world after a stunning solo ballet repertoire to Coppelia. Representing Scotland and Starting Pointe Ballet in the major international dance competition, Gracie and her teammates competed alongside dancers from 62 other countries. She said: “The Dance World Cup was an incredible new adventure that I will never forget. The opportunity to dance alongside my team of amazing girls, to compete against the best in the world was truly a life changing experience. “One of my favourite memories was walking alongside my teammates representing Scotland in the parade, the atmosphere was surreal as we walked through the town of San Sebastián. Creating memories with my team has been amazing and I would love to audition again and go to Portugal next year with a bigger and better team.”

Gracie and her teammates Holly, Eilidh and Sofia also competed in the Junior Quartet Ballet category where they placed 13th, Gracie added: “I would like to thank Sharon at Arabesque for helping me find the perfect competition pointe shoe as well as all of my sponsors; The Holywood Trust, Dumfries and Galloway Council and all our fundraising supporters for getting us to our dream. “Also, the teachers and our parents for supporting us on this journey and to my teammates, Holly, Eilidh and Sofia for being the best teammates I could ask for.”