Under the guidance of Time To Dance Studios, his mother Susan, and his ballet teachers Rene Heitzenrator and Beth Waddell, Colin Akin auditioned for the summer intensive National Auditions at American Ballet Theatre in NYC. ABT is known as one of the leading, most prestigious, classical ballet companies in the world. Colin, who is only 12 years old, not only secured his placement in the program, but was also awarded a merit scholarship. Children age 12-18 audition at several locations throughout the country. There were over 300 young dancers at the New York City location, and only 20% are accepted in to the program. An even smaller percentage of those accepted, are given scholarships.
Colin will be spending several weeks in New York City this summer. During his stay in New York, he was asked to perform at the World of Dance Championships, and will be dancing in the Fashion Forward Show during the Dance Teacher Summit. He will be representing Sugar and Bruno, a very prominent Hip Hop dance apparel company.
Training has been long and hard for this young boy, often 5 hours a week in ballet alone, then another 9 hours of other styles, including jazz, tap, lyrical, acrobatics, contortion, contemporary, hip hop, and break dance. He absolutely loves what he is doing, and pushes himself, every day, to be the best he can be.
Some of his accomplishments in 2016 were his performance in Sleeping Beauty with Greater Buffalo Youth Ballet in conjunction with the Royal Academy of Ballet. Colin won several 1st place platinum, and platinum elite scores in both his solo and group numbers, he holds 2 titles for Mr. Junior Imagine, and Mr. Junior Starpower. He has also received several scholarships to World Dance and Hall of Fame, and year tour scholarships to Jump, 24/7, and NUVO dance conventions.
Susan Farley-Akin, Colin’s mother and owner of Time To Dance Studios is dedicated to giving her students every opportunity to succeed in the world of dance. She noticed Colin’s passion for dance at a young age and has helped him surpass his dreams and goals. She gives all of her students the same opportunity and dedication as if they were her own children. If dancing as a profession is what the student wants, she is going to do everything in her power to help them achieve it. The journey is definitely not an easy one, but it will be worth the effort for those who truly work for it!
Congratulations Susan and Colin!!!