BUDDING performers got a taste of the big time during a recent trip to the Big Apple.

Rising stars from Swindon’s New College took the trip of a lifetime to New York earlier this month.

Performing arts and dance students from the college visited the city and had opportunities to enhance their skills and learn from their American peers.

Nicola Brown, the performing arts course leader at the college, said: “We are thrilled to be able to take our students on such a life-changing trip. I’m sure they have picked up so many new skills that can go towards their own projects and coursework.

“Hopefully we can do more trips like this in the future to inspire our students and provide them with links to the performing arts and dance industry.”

Youngsters embarked on their performance journey using three locations in Central Park to create and perform a short movement sequence. They also had a chance get involved in exclusive workshops at Martha Graham and Alvin Ailey Schools, visited the musical theatre department and completed a performance lab workshop at New York Film Academy, and also took part in a Broadway workshop before watching the show Kinky Boots and meeting some of the stars at the stage door.

Dance student Imogen West said: “It has been the most mesmerising and inspiring experience, and I am so thankful to the dance and performing arts department for organising it.”

Dance student Jessica Carroll said: “The experience was incredible. Having the chance to dance with professionals was inspiring. I’m very thankful to my teachers.’’

Students also visited Radio City Music Hall where they saw the Rockettes preparing for their Spring Spectacular, and stopped off at the Lincoln Centre for Performing Arts.

Sightseeing was also a highlight of the trip with students getting the chance to visit the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Ground Zero, Top of the Rock and Ellen’s Stardust Diner.

Nikki McKnight, the dance course leader at New College, said: “It was brilliant to be able to take our students to the home of some of the most iconic figures in contemporary dance – putting our classwork into context.”

The students who went on the trip will put their learning to use when they perform Guys and Dolls at New College on March 26 and 27.

Tickets are available via the Wyvern Theatre website or call 01793 524481.

To find out more about the New York Film Academy visit https://www.nyfa.edu.