DANCER OF THE YEAR 2018
“I always knew that I wanted to become a professional dancer from when I was only 8 years of age, dancing at the Billie-Jean’s Rhythm Dance School in Midleton’ remarks Chris O’Doherty who has just landed a new contract as a resident dancer with Princess Cruises. ‘The challenge for me was how to turn a childhood talent into a profession?’
In 2017 Chris came for audition and was accepted on the Dance Course with Jane Kellagan at Cork College of FET, Tramore Road Campus. Here Chris was introduced to Ballet, Contemporary, ISTD Modern and Jazz Dance, Pas-de-Deux, Pointe Work, Yoga, Choreography, Craft and Improvisation Skills. He has never looked back since and the skills and training that he received over his two years have been the foundation of his career to date. Chris graduated in 2019 and was awarded a scholarship at the prestigious Stella Mann College of Performing Arts, Bedford near London, where after three years he graduated with his level 8 Diploma in Professional Dance.
With all his training, Chris has used his dance to travel the world and his talent has led to an exciting position working with one of the world’s largest cruise companies, Princess Cruises. At the young age of 24, Chris has already been on two world cruises, his favourite stopovers being Honolulu in Hawaii and Sydney in Australia. He is presently on his way to Los Angeles for rehearsals where he is set to dance on three different cruises, the Crown, Emerald and Ruby Princesses. We are all very proud of him. ‘I hope my story inspires some young dancers to follow in my footsteps and benefit from the great start that I received at the Tramore Road Campus.”