Former NewVIc student is the Opening Ceremony's Prince Charming

Henrique Costa
Former Newham Sixth Form College (NewVIc) student Henrique Costa wowed London 2012 Opening Ceremony audiences as the boy in blue who won his girl’s heart, and a kiss.

In front of worldwide TV audiences of up to one billion people, Henrique was a modern day Prince Charming in the Cinderella-style story of a lost mobile phone uniting two young people.

Henrique, 20, from Custom House, studied a level 3 BTEC extended diploma in performing arts at NewVIc, London’s largest sixth form college, between 2008 and 2010 and continues to support the college and its students through his involvement in extra-curricular dance programmes. He has been part of the NewVIc Dance Company and as one of the NewVIc Lister street dance group competed in the TroolSkool break dancing competition, coming second in the country. Henrique was joined by 11 current NewVIc students who also starred in the Opening Ceremony.

Eddie Playfair, Principal of NewVIc, expressed how incredibly proud he and the college are of Henrique: “Henrique was a brilliant student and he continues to be actively involved at NewVIc by performing in and helping out with our busy performance schedule. He is a very talented choreographer as well as performer but is also a wonderful young person who will go out of his way to support others.”

Henrique, who is currently seeking performing work in dance and acting, said of this incredible moment: “I couldn’t have got this chance without the support of NewVIc, and it has led on to an amazing opportunity to work with an inspirational director like Danny Boyle. It feels like a dream.”