​We are kicking off our new blog/social media series ‘College Life Update’ with previous Excel student Grace who gives an interesting insight into how her first year studying for a dance degree has gone.

1)Which college/university are you training at now?
I am currently training at Middlesex University in London.

2)What course are you doing?
BA Honours in Dance Performance.

3)How has your first year been?
My first year studying at University has been very exciting however it largely differs from studying dance at A Level due to the wide variety of techniques I train in such as Cunningham, Graham and Humphrey as well as Urban, Ballet and Improvisation. I am looking forward to my second year of study as I will be training in even more techniques to increase versatility as a dancer as well as being a part of many more live performances.

4)What is a typical day at college?
I am at University 5 days a week and on average the practical side of dance is 4-5 hours a day with 2-3 different techniques a day. Alongside theory lessons a few times a week which in the first year was focused on anatomy and dance history.

5)What skills did you learn at Excel that have helped at college?
One of the most important things that my Excel training has supported is building my confidence and my love of performing in front of an audience. Excel created my love for dance as I joined at the age of 6 and continued until the age of 18.

6)What is your ideal job the future?
In the future my dream is to become a professional dancer and to travel abroad performing. However I would also love to open my own dance school and become a teacher.

7)What advice could you give our younger Excel students who might also be thinking of a career in the Arts?
The advice I would give to younger Excel students is to enjoy every class, have fun and try as many different styles as you can. It is also very important in order to improve to be consistent in your training, go to every class and be focused.

Thank you Grace. Some fantastic advice too!

Watch this space every Thursday where we will be catching up with more previous Excel students who are currently studying for a career in the performing arts industry.