We are so excited as it is that time of the week when we catch up with another former Excel student who is studying for a career in the performing arts industry for our blog series ‘College Life Update’. This week we chat to Amy who is training as a professional dancer.

1)Which college/university are you training at now?

I’m currently training at The Urdang Academy.

2)What course are you doing?

BA Hons Degree in professional Dance and Musical theatre.

3)How has your first year been?

I’ve actually been at Urdang for 3 years as I did the 2 year Vocational course but my first year as a Degree student has been amazing so far. Doing what I love every day with people around me that share so much talent, makes the experience so much better as we are all in it together. 

4)What is a typical day at college?

A typical day at Urdang may consist of an average of 6 lessons from 8:30am start and finishing at 7:00pm. We have lessons in Ballet, Tap, Technical Jazz, MT Jazz, Contemporary, Commercial, Street, Partner work, Acro, Singing technique, Singing Repertoire, Ensemble singing, Acting through song, Acting and 1-1 singing lesson.

5)What skills did you learn at Excel that have helped at college? 

I attended Excel from age 7 to 16 and I have learnt so much growing up there. Sam and Steven have helped my confidence grow, dance technique improve, performance skills broaden, and my communication.

6)What is your ideal job the future?

In the future I have many dreams but my main ones are to go on tour with an artist, dance on award shows such as the EMAs, TV shows like ‘Britains Got Talent’ and to be in movie musicals.

7)What advice could you give our younger Excel students who might also be thinking of a career in the Arts?

Advice I’d like to pass on to the younger generation at Excel is if you have a dream and a vision, don’t give up, enjoy the journey and always stay in your own lane and what is right for you at that time will come when your ready. 

Thank you Amy for giving us an insight into life at Urdang and for your fantastic advice to the younger generation at Excel. Your determination to pursue your dream as a professional dancer is so inspiring and we cannot wait to see where your journey takes you.