The Show Must Go On

We are so proud to announce that from a worldwide casting search, our senior student, Mami (Mekdelawit), reached the final two for the casting in the Amazon 2020 Christmas advert.

This evening, on the first advert break of The Great British Bake Off, you will see a new advert for Amazon, called ’The Show Must Go On’, featuring French ballerina Taïs Vinolo.

We had to keep it secret as Mami was going through the casting process, as they requested a lot of footage of her dancing and acting, and there were many emails and videos going between the UK and Hollywood! 

Photo credit: Dancewear Central

After many weeks, the US Grammy award-winning director Melina Matsoukas (who has directed for Beyonce and Lady Gaga) was stuck choosing between two final girls – a younger girl (Mami) or an older girl (Taïs) for the role. However, just a few days before filming began in Slovenia, the director went with the older girl for the role.

And just think, when you’re watching the advert this Christmas… it was so nearly a girl from Manchester (and our dancing school!) who was cast in this role!

Congratulations to Taïs on a beautiful advert – it is a heartwarming video that will no doubt inspire many budding young ballerinas!

And many congratulations Mami – we are so proud of you!

You can watch the advert here: The Show Must Go On Amazon 2020 Advert