Ross Hoey, 20, from Glasgow says he is often “misunderstood” and risks “burn-out” when socialising but dance is how “he communicates best”.
Ross started at Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance in London in September(Image: Ross Hoey)
An autistic student who “communicates through dance” has earned a place at a top UK dance school. Ross Hoey, 20, from Glasgow, who is neuro-divergent, achieved a dream spot at the highly prestigious Rambert School in London.
Ross, who is also dyslexic, graduated from Glasgow Clyde College where his dazzling performances as an HND Dance Artist developed him into a gifted dancer and choreographer.
This September, Ross made history as the college’s first male dancer to be accepted into the highly prestigious Rambert School in London for the BA (Hons) in Ballet and Contemporary Dance.
He was offered a full scholarship.
Ross told the Record: “It feels surreal. I don’t believe it.
Ross says he struggles to connect with people on first meeting but dance “makes perfect sense to him”(Image: Ross Hoey)
“I would love to say it was emotional, but it was more a feeling of relief.
“I was ecstatic, but I don’t ever show that on the outside.
“I was sitting in the park with my girlfriend when I got the acceptance email.
“I was jumping for joy on the inside.”
Ross was with his girlfriend when he found out he had been accepted to the prestigious school(Image: Supplied)Ross with his proud parents and sister when he graduated college this year(Image: Supplied)
Ross started ballet aged eight, the same year he was diagnosed with autism, after his mum enrolled him in classes.
He trained at Scottish Ballet Association Program before progressing on to Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Juniors and the Glasgow Clyde College.
During his junior training, Ross was pulled out of two primary schools as he found classroom settings “overwhelming,” and was home-schooled for the rest of his education.
He says he is often “misunderstood” and finds it hard to connect with others due to his condition.
However, dance, and expressing himself in a non-verbal discipline, is how “he communicates best”.
Ross said: “I was in denial for a long time that I had autism.
“I didn’t want it, but I can’t get rid of it. It will always be a part of me.
“That’s a lesson I am still learning.
“Dancing is an outlet for me. If I wasn’t dancing, I’d be depressed all the time.
“I am more confident in who I am because of it.
“I’m still working on myself but dancing lets me be ‘me’.”
Ross is urging other boys who have an interest in dance not to be discouraged or put off by stereotypes(Image: Glasgow Clyde College)
Ross says his move to London in September has already transformed his life, giving him confidence and independence.
He hopes to open his own dance company in future but in the meantime, is eager to educate people on autism in schools.
He also has an important message for boys who want to follow in his dancing footsteps.
Ross said: “I would encourage boys who feel a pull to dance to put stereotypes aside and go for it.”