Two Dance students from De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) are developing their career potential by securing highly-sought after roles as ambassadors for a national dance project.
Just 20 young dancers from across the UK - including DMU’s Jessica Walker and Bethany Storie - have been handpicked by One Dance UK, the ‘one stop shop’ supporting young dancers, teachers, training institutions, professional dancers, choreographers, companies and producers.
They will gain in-depth insight into the dance sector whilst being trained on areas like project management, public speaking and marketing, as well as assisting at events and on specific projects.
Currently in her third year of Dance BA (Hons) at DMU and developing her own codified style of movement to reflect her Jamaican/German heritage, Jessica Walker said:
“I’m particularly looking forward to being continuously and actively emerged in the industry. This opportunity will help me to build my portfolio of events managed, get experience in public speaking, create more choreographic works and further my networking list with sector professionals. Like in any industry, it’s all about who you know.”
The 20-year-old is also partnering with Maverick TV - an independent production company working with major media channels - to film one of her choreographies for national broadcasting.
Jessica is dedicated to the commitments that come with the ambassador role, saying: “I’m excited about advocating for all of the fantastic opportunities on offer and work underway.”
RELATED NEWS
DMU visual artist starts new all-singing, all-dancing UK tour
Graduate wins chance to dance on world stage
Come and see our spectacular dance facilities at one of our Open Days
Bethany Storie, who is in her second year of Dance BA (Hons) at DMU and specialising in contemporary dance, started dancing at the age of four immersing herself in Ballet, Tap and Modern. She then went on to disco, freestyle, street and Hip-Hop to enhance her repertoire.
For the 19-year-old dance is not just a hobby, it’s a lifestyle choice. She said: “I applied to be a Dance Ambassador because I want to advocate for dance, promote dance and help others experience it in a way that I’ve been lucky to experience it. This role will give me the incredible opportunity to learn and grow within the dance industry as well as helping others to do so too.”
Jayne Stevens, Head of Dance at DMU, said: “This is a great opportunity for Jessica and Bethany who, in being ambassadors for One Dance UK, will also be excellent ambassadors for DMU.
“At DMU we encourage dance students to get industry experience. Jessica is on placement with Serendipity Arts working on the 2016 Let’s Dance International Frontiers festival and Bethany completed an internship with the Akram Khan Company at Curve this summer.”
Posted on Wednesday 6 January 2016