Matthew Koon to feature as a Finalist on
Sky 1’s Got to Dance! on Sunday 14th February
During his audition piece, dancer Matthew Koon (16) impressed the Got to Dance! judges, live audience and viewers throughout the UK, receiving three gold stars from the judges, and fantastic comments from judge Adam Garcia: “I would say Matthew Koon has been the most memorable act … when he came on, that was when the bar was set.”
Matthew said: “It was such an honour to receive such positive comments from the judges – they are all such good dancers.” His talent has now taken him through to the live final of the competition on Sky 1 at 6pm on Sunday 14th February.
His performance during the semi-final last week included an exciting routine with new moves which he choreographed alongside ISTD teacher and choreographer Miss Deborah Norris. Judge Kimberly Wyatt commented: "I don't remember the last time I was blessed to see such a talent."
Above: Matthew Koon Performing, Got to Dance
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Sky 1
Based in Salford, Matthew has been dancing since the age of two and his skill is not limited to contemporary dance; he is also accomplished in Tap, Jazz, Modern and Ballet (Classical).
At the age of nine, Matthew was accepted to the Royal Ballet School's Junior Associate Programme. It was then that Matthew made the decision to become a professional dancer and now he dreams of making dance his career. He said:“I’ve applied for a number of dance colleges and the fees are a lot, if I were to win the competition I would spend the money on my training – it would be such a burden off my family’s shoulders.” Matthew has already won a number of prestigious competitions, including the Outstanding Dance Award (Senior Level) and Overall Boys Cup in the ISTD’s 2008 Janet Cram Awards. He has also won a Class prize in the Finale of the Senior Section of the ISTD’s 2009 Marjorie Davies Tap Awards and was winner of the Muriel Ashcroft Award for Artistry. Matthew also won the title of Young Ballet Dancer of the Year at the All England Dance Association finals in 2009 and in addition was awarded the Runner-up Prize for Young British Tap Dancer of the Year, also in 2009.
Matthew played Billy in the popular West End musical Billy Elliot and it was in training for this role that Matthew first met his current teacher, Caroline Wright.
Matthew is currently training with the ISTD’s Caroline Wright at Centre Pointe in Manchester. She said: “He is a dream to teach. We are all so proud of him and the younger boys at the school are so inspired by him – they all want to be just like Matthew when they grow up!”
Ela Drewett |
