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SC Governor's School dance student receives full scholarship to renowned Philadelphia University of
SOUTH CAROLINA - June 16, 2011 - Brandon Whitmore, South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities (SCGSAH) Class of 2011, has accepted a full scholarship from the Philadelphia University of the Arts. Brandon also received scholarship offers from Boston Conservatory, Point Park University and the School of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
Brandon looks forward to his dance studies, but not without crediting his success to his career with SCGSAH.
Prior to joining SCGSAH, Brandon trained with Carolina Ballet in Columbia, SC. The company has a long list of SCGSAH alumni that inspired the young dancer, such as Sara Mearns and Joseph Phillips.
Since his 9th grade year with SCGSAH, Brandon has grown tremendously. As a dancer, he was trained by world-renowned dancer and Chair of the SCGSAH Dance Department, Stanislav Issaev. He gained a mentor in another of his dance instructors, Lloyd Whitmore (no relation), who introduced Brandon to different dance styles.
"Brandon is an unusually talented person, a phenomenal dancer capable of great choreography with strong understanding of music and visualization. He is an artistic and charismatic leader. He has a wide range of interests and is broadly educated in multiple artistic subjects," says Issaev.
After a year unable to dance caused by a bone injury in his sophomore year, Brandon was determined to be successful. He showed marked improvement in his training and won several auditions. The summer after his junior year with SCGSAH, Brandon attended the School of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, broadening his talent and experience as he returned to SCGSAH for his senior year.
His dance training was only enhanced by his high school experience at SCGSAH. As Student Body Co-President and Student Ambassador, Brandon's peers acknowledged his maturity as a student leader. He credits this growth to the creative and supportive academic and artistic community. Teachers provided a challenging academic experience, but always were hands-on with their instruction.
"Being at the Governor's School has made me a more humble and self-aware person," says Brandon, a native of St. Matthews, SC. "Although it will be hard to leave my Governor's School family, I know I have to. Thankfully, I have my experience and training from amazing teachers to guide me in my next steps."
Next year, at The Philadelphia University of the Arts, Brandon will be surrounded by dance opportunities. He is looking forward to grasping them all.
"Brandon is a Renaissance Man - I see him as an impresario. The future holds space for him to be a master entertainer or entrepreneur - creating dance and musical theatre works, performing and finding opportunities to share his talents with youth in many communities. He will be an incredible success," says Issaev.
"No matter where it takes me," says Brandon. "I know I will always be dancing."
Brandon Whitmore showing great strength and height while performing a ballet solo, Gopak.
Brandon Whitmore in rehearsal at SCGSAH.
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