After starting street dance with Studio B at the age of four, it wasn’t long before I decided to give up ballet and tap dancing. Street was what I wanted to do. I soon began a commercial class and then later started lyrical. But street was always my main focus, and after joining DDA with Charlotte Fernandes six years ago, I knew that street was my passion.
During lockdown, I saw an advert to audition to be part of Project Dance. As I was only twelve years old at the time, I didn’t think I stood a chance. Thankfully, with the guidance and support of Charlotte Fernandes (DDA) and my parents, I submitted my audition video. I was amazed when we received the email from James that I had been selected.
Project Dance 2021 was an amazing experience; I took part in genres that I had never thought about doing. I soon decided that ballet was definitely something I wanted to start again. Alongside that, I also started contemporary and technique.
I now take classes four nights a week: Street + Hip Hop with DDA (where I am also a student teacher/assistant for the under-10s), and contemporary, technique, Grade 6 ballet, inter ballet, pointe, musical theatre, and street jazz at TLW.
The main challenges I have faced are that the people I have worked with have more experience than me and have been doing ballet and jazz from a young age, unlike myself. Only restarting ballet, jazz, and technique three years ago and getting my technique and flexibility back has been one of my biggest challenges. The teachers and friends I have met along the way have helped me massively – I couldn’t thank them all enough.
I feel so confident now, more than I ever have. With the backing of James, Project Dance, Charlotte, DDA, and TLW, I feel I will be able to widen my knowledge and improve more and more.
After finally finishing my GCSEs, I am excited to say that in September 2024, I am going to LeAF Academy Sixth Form for Performing Arts. This has been my dream school since I was a little girl, and I can’t wait for the adventures ahead of me.
I am honoured to say that I am a company member of Project Dance and have taken part in Catalyst, Untamed, Collective, and Growing Pains, a poignant story of refugees and teenagers dealing with many issues life throws at them through the movement of dance. I performed in both the world premiere and the UK tour.
I cannot wait to go on tour once again this year with Project Dance’s latest production, ‘All That Matters’, taking on the role of Florence.
Taking part in Project Dance has been one of the best experiences I have ever taken part in. I have learned so much and met the most incredible people that I am pleased to be able to call my family. Thanks to Project Dance, I have felt far more certain about what I would like to do in my future and am willing to take on new challenges.
All in all dance has made me a happier and healthier person.
Project Dance is like a second family!