Jemma's next steps to fame

Sep 18 2002 By Elgan Hearn, Holyhead And Anglesey Mail

AN ANGLESEY dancer is hoping for performing success as she attends London's world-famous Italia Conti Dance and Drama Academy.

Jemma Gannon, 20, of Holyhead, has just completed her first year at the prestigious academy, and is already looking forwardtoreturning later this month.

The diploma given by the academy is the equivalent of a degree and Jemma, who took a year out after completing her A-levels at Ysgol Bodedern, made it to one of the 50 coveted places, out of more than 2,000 applicants.

Jemma said: "In the first year you concentrate on all three disciplines, dance, drama and singing, but you get to concentrate on a specific subject in the second year.

"I see myself as an all-rounder: you need the whole range of disciplines to compete for jobs. Eventually I would like to perform in West End musicals.

"But I wouldn't like to rule anything out, after graduating I'd have to take the first pieces offered. I have already danced with Wayne Sleep."

To many, Jemma will be a familiar face having performed in numerous shows on Anglesey and North Wales including pantomimes at Theatr Gwynedd for the Bangor Pantomime Company, and several performances at Llangefni's Theatr Fach and Holyhead's Ucheldre Centre.

She also competed at several Eisteddfodau where so many future Welsh stars cut their showbiz teeth.

Her taste for the stage was honed at Holyhead-based Barton Dance and Drama Academy, where she took partin several prestigious performances including ones at the London Palladium, Sadlers Wells Theatre, Euro Disney and the Manchester Opera House.

Jemma added: "I taught some junior jazz and coached a few dancers through their ballet dance exams.

"My favourite West End Show is Starlight Express, I like all the characters and there are some really good female rolesinit.

"The event that influenced me was watching Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, starring Jason Donovan, at the London Palladium for my ninth birthday.

"I told my mum, at the time that she would be back in a few years time to see me there and it's true."

Mum Pamela said: We're all very proud of Jemma and we're very supportive, she was involved in all the performing clubs in the area and kept me very busy with her interests."