We caught up with final year BA Dance students at the University of Roehampton to find out what’s next for them as they complete their studies.
From postgraduate study to building careers in performance, education and creative practice, our students are already taking their next steps and shaping their future in the dance industry.
Yunqi Yang (Phoebe)
“In the short term, I am applying for a Master’s degree, ideally an MPhil (offer from Cambridge), where I hope to explore interdisciplinary approaches across drama, visual art and film, and bring those perspectives back into dance. This research project directly supports that goal by building the critical and practical foundations I need.In the long term, I aim to work as a dance educator and inclusive arts facilitator, leading workshops in schools, community centres and arts organisations, while also developing my own inclusive arts programmes in China. I am also interested in pursuing choreographic and research collaborations with organisations working at the intersection of dance and accessibility.”
Jessica Gilmore
“My career aspiration is to pursue professional performance work alongside developing a sustainable career in dance teaching. I intend to gain a personal trainer and nutrition qualification and, in the long term, establish a dance and training facility that integrates technical dance training with physical conditioning. This research directly supports these goals by developing a critical understanding of effective teaching practices and the importance of safe, informed training methods. It will inform both my approach as a teacher and the structure of my future practice, enabling me to better prepare dancers for the demands of the industry while supporting their long-term wellbeing and performance longevity.”
Yutong Guo
“My current career aspiration is to pursue a Master’s degree in Dance Performance, for which I have already received an offer. This research topic on street dance’s transition into theatrical contexts directly supports my postgraduate study by deepening my critical understanding of site-specific choreography, performance authenticity, and the institutional framing of street dance. It will equip me with analytical and creative skills to explore hybrid forms of street dance for the stage, preparing me to contribute innovative, culturally rooted work to the field of contemporary dance performance during my Master’s and future professional practice.”
Hang Kang
“In the future, I hope to establish my own dance company and develop creative dance projects that combine choreography, performance and digital media. I am particularly interested in exploring how social media platforms can be used to promote dance work, build audiences and create new opportunities for independent dance artists.
As someone who hopes to work both as a choreographer and a creative producer, understanding the relationship between dance, media and digital platforms is increasingly important in today’s dance industry. This project will allow me to explore how social media influences the way dance is shared, promoted and experienced by audiences. The knowledge gained from this research will help inform my future career in building a sustainable and innovative dance company.
This research project supports my future goal of establishing my own dance company. In today’s dance industry, social media and digital platforms play a crucial role in promoting dance work, building audiences and sharing creative projects. By exploring how social media transforms the creation, learning and distribution of contemporary dance, this project will help me understand how digital platforms can be used strategically within the dance industry.
As someone who hopes to work as both a choreographer and a creative entrepreneur, developing knowledge about digital media and online audiences is particularly important. The insights gained from this research will help inform how I present choreography, communicate with audiences and promote future dance projects through social media platforms. This understanding will be valuable when developing and managing my own dance company in the future.”
Meiqi Li
“My long-term career goal is to establish my own Chinese dance training institution in China while working as a professional dance educator. Having trained in contemporary dance in the UK, I have developed a strong interest in integrating Western pedagogical approaches—such as creativity, critical thinking, and student-centred learning—into the teaching of Chinese dance. I aim to create a learning environment that not only preserves the technical and cultural foundations of Chinese dance but also encourages innovation and individual expression.
This research directly supports my career ambitions by allowing me to critically examine how different dance traditions and teaching methods can be combined in a meaningful and effective way. It also helps me understand the practical and entrepreneurial aspects of building a sustainable dance institution. In the future, I hope to establish a distinctive dance brand that bridges cultural boundaries, contributes to the development of Chinese dance education, and prepares students to engage with both local traditions and global dance practices.”
Linjing Xue
“I hope to pursue a master’s degree in dance education in the future and become a dance teacher and children’s dance choreographer specializing in children and adolescents. Through systematic study of dance education theories and performance training methods, I aim to guide children to fall in love with dance and dare to perform in a scientific, gentle and creative way. I hope to help them build confidence and express themselves on stage, while contributing to the performance and popularization of dance education for young people.”
Yutian Zhai
“My future career plan is graduate students, and my thesis can have a certain protective effect on my graduate students, which can achieve self-protection and self-healing in many ways.”
At Roehampton, you’ll be supported to develop your practice, explore your interests and take your next steps with confidence. Whether your goal is postgraduate study, performance, teaching or creative work, our BA Dance programme helps you build the skills, experience and direction to shape your future in the industry.
Discover where a Dance degree from Roehampton could take you by exploring our website.