Did you enjoy your time at Brannel School?
Yes, I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Brannel.
Do you have any special memories of your time at Brannel School?
One of my favourite memories was being given the opportunity to choreograph a production of Oliver. This was the first time during my school career that I really allowed myself to display my passion outside of the curriculum.
When you were at school, did you have any specific career dreams or aspirations?
I have always had one dream career, which was to become a professional dancer and performer.
When did you decide on your career path?
I think I decided on my career path extremely early on in my life. My first (memorable) experience of watching a live performance I must have been about five or six years old and from then I realised that this was something people can actually do as a job.
What did you do immediately after leaving Brannel School?
After leaving Brannel, I attended Truro College to study a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Dance. Upon leaving Truro College, I auditioned for some of the biggest and toughest professional theatre colleges in the world. I was fortunate enough to be given a scholarship to study at Performers College in London.
Where do you work now?
I now work as a Dancer/Singer/Actor. Technically I am self-employed (as everyone in the industry is). But I have done quite a few very exciting jobs such as dancing at the Queen’s 90th Birthday Celebration, The Brit Awards, Twickenham Rugby Clash, as well as lots of corporate events in various cities and countries around the world. I also currently teach workshops and classes.
What does your current role entail?
My job requires a lot of me physically as a dancer and singer, as well as a lot of focus and drive. It can be exhausting being in a studio for sometimes 12+ hours a day for rehearsals or shoots etc. On my most recent contract I was also employed for the role of Dance Captain, which meant that as well as being in the show, it was also my job to run rehearsals every so often and deal with any problems the performers had during the show. This role required me to be very good at making fast decisions and solve problems efficiently.
Is there anything you are particularly proud of relating to your life and/or career?
One of the things I am most proud of in my life/career is that I followed my dream. I knew what I wanted and I made it happen even when it was hard to find the right path.
Is there any advice you could offer for someone considering a similar career?
My advice to someone considering the same or similar career would be to always work hard and give 100% effort into everything you do. Have a clear focus on your end goals and utilise every opportunity that you’re offered in order to help you grow and learn. I would also say take as many classes as you can, get as much information from as many different places as possible. Practice as much as you’re physically able to (always safely of course). The most important thing to know and remember is that it will get hard, and it will feel like there’s no payout, but when you overcome those hurdles, that’s when you achieve truly incredible things.
What are your hobbies? How do you like to enjoy your spare time?
In my spare time I like to make sure that I stay as active as I can outside of my career. I spend a lot of time at the gym or running, swimming etc. I also love to get creative and draw and paint and just do things that let me release my creative mind away from the theatre.
Do you feel that your time at school helped you to progress in life?
I certainly feel that my time at school helped me to progress in life. My school career definitely helped me discover who I am and where my strengths and weaknesses are.
What are your immediate/long term plans for the future?
Right now I’m currently going through the process of auditioning for the next job, and the next adventures in my life. There are a few things in the pipeline for me that are very exciting, and I hope to be able to see them through.
How has COVID-19 affected your work? Are you doing things differently/trying new things?
COVID-19 has undeniably had a negative impact on my industry and the arts in general. However, it is in our nature to get creative and COVID-19 has certainly seen some of the most innovative ways to continue to create art and share it around the world. Things in my life are different right now, for example, I do all of my choreographing and teaching online via Zoom, and most auditions are currently being done online, but that’s all only in the short term.
The long term plans as a result of COVID-19 are something that I believe will bring a much bigger and better future to my career and to the performing arts industry.