Last week our 2nd Year students were encouraged to consider their professional careers at a workshop with Dancers’ Career Development  (DCD) and a special line-up of DCD-retrained dancers in Covent Garden.

DCD’s Executive Director, Jennifer Curry and Grants and Careers Officer, Ellen Chambers, delivered this second workshop as part of our pioneering partnership with the organisation, aimed at equipping students with the tools they will need for their professional dance careers and beyond.

Students met and talked to a host of special guests including:

Rebecca Trevitt (former Royal Ballet dancer, now dance teacher and facilitator), Leon Baugh (former independent contemporary dancer, now Osteopath), Martin Joyce (former Rambert dancer, now running his own dance company), Steven McRae (Principal dancer with The Royal Ballet and BA(Hons) Business and Management graduate), Barnaby Ingram (former Musical Theatre dancer, now Wine Consultant), Malgorzata Dzierzon (independent dancer, producer, BA(Hons) Leadership and Management and currently on The Clore Leadership Dance Fellowship), and Johan Persson (former Royal Ballet dancer, now professional photographer).

Key advice students came away with included:

• Develop other interests outside of dance
• Bear in mind that eventually all dancers have to transition
• Keep your friends and family close for support
• Make the most of any opportunities to speak out

Student comments:

‘It was really interesting to hear about the backgrounds of the dancers, and to learn their motivations for contacting DCD. It was amazing to have the opportunity to talk to some people who we wouldn’t have otherwise had a chance to interview and find out more about.’

‘I learned the wide range of occupations that are available with the skills we gain as a performer.’

‘I learned that it is important to take responsibility and action for your career after dance. Not being afraid of the unknown.’

‘I learned that dancers really can have a successful career after dance.’

Our thanks to DCD for hosting the workshop and to the DCD-retrained dancers for giving up their valuable time to come in to talk to students.