Why I Chose Roehampton University for My Degree
From a young age, I’ve been passionate about dance, and I always knew I wanted to pursue it at a professional level. However, in Italy, where I’m from, a degree in dance wasn’t available, so I decided to study abroad. Roehampton University stood out to me because of its unique combination of dance and theory, which I found incredibly appealing. After visiting the campus for an in-person audition, I immediately fell in love with the environment and knew it was the right place for me. Roehampton’s academic and creative offerings made it the ideal choice for my dance studies.
What I Enjoyed Most About My Time at Roehampton
One of the things I loved the most about my time at Roehampton was the strong sense of community on campus. The university provided a vibrant and creative environment where I had the opportunity to collaborate with students from various disciplines—creative writing, film, drama, psychology, and more. These collaborations outside of our courses were incredibly enriching, and they helped broaden my perspective as an artist.
Living on campus and being part of the full university experience was also a major highlight. It allowed me to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and made my time at Roehampton truly memorable.
The Best Aspect of My Degree
The balance of theory and practice was one of the most valuable aspects of my degree. Understanding the theoretical foundations of dance, including its history, cultural contexts, and key influences, was vital in shaping my perspective as a dancer and artist. It gave me a deeper appreciation for the pillars of the dance industry and how they influence contemporary practices.
Additionally, the course offered a variety of contemporary dance techniques, including Graham, Cunningham, Release, Limon, and ballet. Training in these diverse techniques provided me with a versatile foundation as a dancer. One of the most exciting elements of the program was the chance to train with live musicians, which added an extra layer of energy and creativity to our sessions.
Projects and Opportunities During My Degree
During my time at Roehampton, I had several incredible opportunities. One of the most memorable was producing the annual dance festival. Collaborating with other students, I was involved in tasks beyond just performing, such as coordinating artists to lead workshops, organising logistics, and ensuring everything ran smoothly. This experience was eye-opening, showing me that a dance degree can lead to a variety of career paths, from dance producing and arts administration to artistic direction.
In addition to this, my dissertation combined practical and written components. I choreographed a performance and explored the concepts behind it in-depth. This dual approach allowed me to develop both my creative and organizational skills, which have been invaluable in my career.
My Career Today and How Roehampton Helped Shape It
I currently work as a choreographer and movement director, and I also work part-time as a producer for a dance company abroad. As a producer, I focus on outreach, helping the company bring its works to theatres and festivals internationally.
After completing my degree at Roehampton, I pursued an MA in Arts Administration at Goldsmiths, which expanded my skill set in areas like copyright, fundraising, and marketing. These skills have been crucial in broadening my career prospects within the dance industry.
In addition to my work as a choreographer, I launched WMN, an event platform dedicated to supporting women and non-binary creatives. Through WMN, we host events like film screenings, panel discussions, performances, and workshops. This project allows me to give back to the community and build a platform that reflects my values and vision.
My choreography work spans film, TV, and music videos, enabling me to bring my artistic vision to diverse creative industries. The combination of creative and administrative roles allows me to balance my passion for dance with the practical aspects of supporting and promoting the art form.
Tips for Current Roehampton Dance Students
My advice to current students is to stay curious and keep learning. Take advantage of opportunities both within and outside of the university. For example, I attended theatre performances and took classes at other institutions, which helped me network and prepare for the industry. This is particularly important for international students like me, who may not be familiar with London’s artistic scene. Engaging with the industry outside of the university setting can provide invaluable experiences.
What I Would Have Done Differently
Looking back, I wouldn’t change anything drastically, but I do wish I had made even more use of the studio spaces to experiment and create. Having free access to these facilities is a privilege you don’t often get after graduating, so I would recommend taking full advantage of this resource while you’re still at university.
Additionally, I think I could have asked my teachers for more recommendations—whether it was books to read, films to watch, artists to follow, or industry connections they might have had. It’s important to ask for guidance and insights from your tutors, as their expertise can shape your career in ways you may not expect.
Career Highlights So Far
One of the most rewarding aspects of my career has been the variety of opportunities I’ve had. I’ve had the chance to work with brands like Dove and Cadbury, and collaborated on music videos with incredible artists. Each project has been unique, whether in film, fashion, magazines, or live events.
Alongside these commercial projects, I’ve also worked with esteemed cultural institutions like the Victoria & Albert Museum, Whitechapel Gallery, and 180 Studios. These experiences have allowed me to bridge the worlds of dance and visual art, creating work that resonates in various contexts and spaces.
Through my time at Roehampton, I’ve gained both the practical skills and theoretical knowledge that have shaped my career. The combination of artistic training, creative exploration, and hands-on experience with projects and performances has allowed me to grow not only as a dancer but also as a professional in the arts industry. If you’re passionate about dance and want to explore both the creative and practical sides of the industry, I highly recommend pursuing a degree at Roehampton.
To find out more about this course please visit BA Dance | University of Roehampton, London