Accept that you will never reach a point where you know everything and that you’ll always be learning. The process involves both good and bad days – the main thing is to enjoy the journey and all the experiences you have along the way
Where are you studying?
Lewisham College
Which course are you studying?
Dance Foundation
How did you choose this particular college?
Lewisham College is renowned for its dance, it’s an amazing training institution. I knew they could help me with basic dance training before I go on to do a degree course. I did their one year BTEC course, and then auditioned for the Foundation Course, so I’m now in my second year of training.
What's it like doing this course?
It’s physically and mentally demanding and the tutors push you hard – which is good! It’s a challenging course and sometimes you might feel that you haven’t done very well, while other times you feel that you’re really making progress. I’ve met so many different people and seen so many different styles and approached to dance – we learn from each other. It can be quite stressful but I love it and I’m being trained by people who have had amazing careers in dance. The level of training is excellent.
What's the most surprising / interesting thing you've learned so far?
I recently found out that one of my tutors tore both Achilles tendons in the past and has still been able to go on dancing and teaching. He is inspirational and has his own way of teaching that is unique to him. So don’t believe all the horror stories you hear about dancing injuries!
Would you like to do more training after this course? If so, what type of course and where?
I want to do an access course to university where I can get to work with different choreographers and tour as well. That would be really beneficial in terms of going on to university and doing a degree course.
What kind of work experience do you have so far?
I teach at the moment, alongside my training, which scared me at first but now I love it and it has opened up a lot more options for me. I’ve also done some choreography projects, including one last year at Sadler's Wells where there was a mix of dancers and community members at different levels of ability, all working together. I’ve also trained at samba school and been in the Notting Hill and Rio Carnivals.
What kind of job do you want to do eventually?
A mix of performing, choreography and teaching – and perhaps something involving dance science and dance in development as well.
What do your family and/or friends think of your course, your job prospects and your career ambitions?
They have all been really supportive. My immediate family had concerns about me being able to support myself but I’ve been lucky to have both friends and family who support what I do and understand the sacrifices I’ve made in terms of having very little time to see anyone.
What are your tips for anyone who's thinking of doing your course?
Get as much experience as you can, both in ballet and contemporary and keep an open mind to new ideas. Accept that you will never reach a point where you know everything and that you’ll always be learning. The process involves both good and bad days – the main thing is to enjoy the journey and all the experiences you have along the way.
Creative inspirations
Music
I enjoy a whole range of music and exploring the ways you can move to it.
Unconventional people
A good example of this is the Revolution dance company who mix ballet and breakdance.
Henry Oguike
A brilliant choreographer.
Douglas Thorpe
Another brilliant choreographer.
If you would like advice on creative careers and courses, contact a Creative Way Careers Adviser - either Matt Ball on m.ball@uel.ac.uk / 07889 001764 or Sarah Comerford on s.comerford@uel.ac.uk / 07515 051509.
