World stage beckons

Two talented Marlborough teenagers are a step closer to the world stage after being selected into two of New Zealand's most prestigious performing institutions.

Fleur Lovejoy, a year-12 student at Marlborough Girls' College, has been accepted for the New Zealand School of Dance to complete a diploma of dancer performance, while year-13 Marlborough Boy's College student Tom Knowles got into Toi Whakaari, the New Zealand Drama School.

Fleur, 16, has studied ballet since she was five, and is a high achiever in the annual Marlborough Performing Arts competitions.

She was one of 40 performers selected to enter the Young Performer of the Year competition in Invercargill, and is working towards completing her Advanced Level Two dance examinations, one of the highest levels available.

The New Zealand School of Dance is in such high demand that hundreds audition in Australasia for just 26 spots.

"I'm so shocked and excited. It's the best place of that kind of calibre in New Zealand, and it's really the only place to go if you want a career in dance.

"It provides you with lots of career opportunities.

"I think it is going to be lots of fun, but I'm going to miss my mum. She's been a big support."

Meanwhile, Tom, 18, said he was called by Toi Whakaari and asked to audition after visiting the sought-after drama school several times. He had only a week to prepare for the audition, but was encouraged by his aunt, Kate Elliott, a former graduate.

Tom is the lead singer of band Remastered, won the 2010 Stars in Your Eyes competition and has had various roles in musical theatre.

"It means I'll end up doing something with my life, rather than just floating around. If you want to have a career in professional acting, it's the place you have to go to. I'm excited. It's a huge accomplishment."

Tom plans to complete a degree in performing arts, majoring in acting.

Fleur and Tom will study full time in Wellington, with Fleur also taking extra lessons on a Saturday, as well as completing year-13 correspondence.

The couple, who have been in a relationship for about two years, will find themselves studying next door to each other in Wellington and plan to stay together initially.

"We will just see how it goes," Tom said.

They leave in February. Several students from Marlborough have attended both schools in the last decade or so.