Professional Profile
My
journey so far...
I
began dancing at the age of four following a Christmas outing to the
theatre with my primary school to watch The Royal Ballet's production
of The Nutcracker, I remember falling in love with dance at that very
moment. The Sugar Plum Fairy in particular caught my eye and from
then on, just like many girls of my age, that was what I aspired to
become.
I
showed an aptitude for dance and other related activities including
gymnastics and various sports so it made sense for me explore these
further outside of school. I took lessons in Ballet and Modern at
Hereford Ballet School and moved through my grades quickly, I also
joined a local gymnastics club and it was difficult for me to decide
which activity I wanted to focus on more. I went on to win county and
regional championship titles in gymnastics with dance still on the
scene but taking a bit of a back seat for a while.
When
approaching sixteen, the decisions of potential careers were looming
and I had various ideas of acting, coaching, dancing and perhaps
physiotherapy. My dance teachers called me and my mum in for a
meeting to discuss my future in pursuing a dance career, which came
as a surprise to me as I had no idea I was any good! It all seemed
rather daunting but I thought, why not give it a go and audition for
some full time dance schools? I was only fifteen at the time,
choosing a career seemed so grown up, I recall feeling like a wanted
to be a kid for just a bit longer!
My
auditions were a success, I was offered places at Northern Ballet
School and The Hammond School and what a great feeling it was to be
chosen over so many other students hoping for a place, but this was
just the beginning. I accepted a place at The Hammond School as
living in Chester seemed a little less scary than living in central
Manchester on my own, coming from such a rural background.
Unfortunately
an accident at gymnastics almost destroyed my dance career before my
training had barely begun. I shattered part of my knee cap, resulting
in two operations, months of physiotherapy, a huge knock to my
confidence and a thoroughly depressing time out from dance. I moved
home and attended a course at the art college studying performing
arts which I found rather uninspiring. I explored various career
paths over the next two years but nothing interested me enough and
upon deciding I was up to it, I would give dance another go despite
being a little older than other dance students. I attended a full
time dance course in the Midlands, Bojangles College, which was
rather small but I felt it was the right place for me having met some
great teachers and students on the audition day. The teachers really
built up my self confidence, technique and performance, they were
really supportive and I enjoyed my time here.
Upon
leaving I was thrown into the competitive cut throat world that is
the dance industry and after many auditions I was offered a job as
part of a performance company at a holiday village in Devon. This
gave me a first taste as a regular performer and although it was
never my ambition to work in holiday entertainment I gained some
valuable experience and provided an opening to further performing
opportunities. After this I joined a production company in Menorca
that toured around with two productions, in which I assisted with the
choreography. I found a real passion for creating my own choreography
and satisfaction in teaching it to others. I had always liked the
idea of being a dance teacher but felt I lacked the confidence to do
it.
Upon
returning home from Spain I enquired about local teaching courses and
despite being offered a job with a dance company in the UK, I decided
to enrol at Janet Marshall Dance Studios, Cheltenham. Here, I studied
for the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing Foundation In Dance
Instruction and Certificate In Dance Education in the genres of
Imperial Ballet, Tap and Modern Theatre. I feel that this was,
without doubt, the best thing I have ever done as it provided a gate
way into a rewarding career as a teacher.
During
my time teaching so far, I have worked for various schools across
Herefordshire as well as Shropshire and Worcestershire. For the past
five years I have taught classical ballet at a local school in North
Herefordshire, Aspire Dance Studios. It's a privilege to be part of
such a vibrant school, producing excellent results through high
standards amidst a friendly atmosphere. I have found it most
fulfilling watching my students grow, progress and achieve.
Two
years ago I decided to branch out and set up my own classes, 'Dynamix
Dance' this had always been an ambition of mine. It was a completely
new challenge, having to carry out extensive research into business
requirements as well as broaden my skills in I.T and marketing. It
has enabled me to view the dance industry from a different
perspective.
Which
leads me to my most recent venture, studying for a BA in Professional
Practice of the Arts with Middlesex University, a work based study
programme, through which I hope to develop and progress my skills as
an arts practitioner. During this course I hope to improve my
practice and broaden my career prospects as well as fulfilling a
personal goal of gaining a degree. Through my blog I hope to share my
research, experiences and findings as well as learn from others. I look forward to receiving your comments.
Ruth
