All of this started out as a dream of being on stage. When I was younger, like many children I wanted to go to Dance lessons. From Ballet, Tap and Modern Jazz I loved all of it. The leotards, buns and extravagant costumes were just the icing on the cake. We didn't have the likes of youtube to teach ourselves back then and the friendships I formed at Dancing and Musical Theatre classes have stayed with me growing up.
Born and raised in Manchester the Worker Bee is a symbol that came about in the Industrial Revolution. Manchester was one of the cities leading the way for an industrial change, making the city a ‘hive of activity’ in the 19th century. It signifies the Mancunian work ethic. Which is why I took on this emblem.
Being a busy bee, I have trained from the age of 16 full time as a Professional Dancer. Gaining a place at Paul McCartney's performing arts school LIPA in the amazing city of Liverpool, I studied Contemporary and learned especially about teamwork.
Working hard in class and taking responsibility for your own learning at home is one thing but if you can’t work together then the production will inevitably be a fail. Throughout all of my training I knew it wasn’t just the performers that made a show there was SO much more happening behind the scenes too. From Set - Designers, Orchestra, Wardrobe, Stage Managers and Sound Design, Managers, Directors, Crew, Lighting Technicians, Front of house just to mention a few....the role everybody plays on and off stage is so important.
"To inspire all with the glorious creativity and discipline of the arts" This is the motto of Bodyworks Company Cambridge. It is where I spent 3 years training in Professional Musical Theatre. Here I made friends for life and worked with teachers and visiting choreographers already on the top of their game. Being in a studio everyday and getting to do what you love is a pretty incredible experience. I was fortunate enough to be sponsored by Royal Masonic Trust as this was a vocational course not covered by the Government.
It's important to look back and realise how lucky I have been not just in my training but also my work experience. I got a golden ticket being able to move to London quite quickly after graduating. My first professional job was with my roommate and bestie where we had the challenge of living in the big smoke as actual adults- completely buzzing!
Having the networks of my previous colleges and being a northerner in the capital had it's life lessons. Not everyone will greet you with a smile if you say "alright?" to them on the tube. But I was consistent and made sure I went to the dance classes and auditions at Pineapple, Dance Attic and Danceworks.
Working in the entertainment industry as a performance artist as a backing dancer and singer for over 7 years meant I was a jobbing dancer. So, at times other work that wasn't gigging had to take precedence. I have had many employers and worked as a Dance Teacher from all ages pre-school and nursery years at Creative Movements and up to BTEC level at City of Westminster college. By making connections with students in a performing arts setting I have always found it rewarding and love producing new work with the pupils. It is exciting for me to be a role model to others. I share my story and how I managed to get to this point with my students. Hoping to inspire them on a theatrical pathway.
Performing arts has enriched my life. It has taught me confidence in any professional environment, perseverance in a freelance lifestyle and the importance of collaboration. Now, with the help of The Prince’s Trust Enterprise Programme I am building my own business and sharing my craft.
Finally what you've been itching to find out is why I chose the name Waggle Dance Company for my business. Here goes, The Waggle dance is when the Queen Bee performs a particular figure-eight dance. Her movements show the rest of the hive where to locate flowers - she gives them a sense of direction and something to aim for. It also represents a sense of unity. Instilling that it’s important to work hard but more important to work together.“
In a world where you can be anything, BEE KIND”.