The privilege of education

In the Full-time Studies Guide in the August/September issue, we have included a number of inspiring examples of graduates who have gone on to fulfilling careers. Here is Molly Tipping's story.

 

Molly Tipping studied at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts from 1998-2002. While in her final years, she began studying and teaching pilates. “I still wanted to dance, but this also starting to become where my interests and passions were going.” She is now a movement therapist and lecturer in Feldenkrais and Pilates.

She says that attending WAAPA was a privilege. “I loved being a dance student, . . . so many talented, creative and dedicated people. I gained life-long friends and memories but I also gained a dedication to practice and craft, appreciation of arts across a wider spectrum, a love of the body and health, ability to deal with challenges and conflicts and a general belief in the capacity of young people.”

She says that dancers can excel in many fields. “ Dancers make wonderful school teachers, event managers, physiotherapists, yoga and Pilates teachers, social workers, doctors, etc.

“The skills learnt while in full time study are abundant: a robust working ethic, the ability to work steadily toward distant goals, creativity, collaboration, lateral thinking, health and well being, ability to work independently, initiative… I could go on. Do not underestimate the benefits of choosing dance as a tertiary study. You may not become a fulltime dancer, but it is almost not the point.”

Don't miss our Full-time Studies Guide in the August/September issue of Dance Australia! Buy it from your favourite magazine retailer or subscribe here, or purchase an online copy via the Dance Australia app.