Trained at: ED5INTERNATIONAL
Presently: Onstage Swing in Jesus Christ Superstar
Beyond technical skills, what is one non-dance related skill or quality that your full-time studies helped you develop or strengthen? How has this impacted you?
I started my journey in the performing arts as a dancer, not initially considering myself a singer. When I realized that singing was an integral part of the course, I was determined to embrace the challenge. At first, I felt quite vulnerable because singing was entirely new territory for me. I made the mistake of setting very low expectations for my singing ability, which limited my confidence. However, as I began to break down my self-imposed barriers, I started to notice glimpses of progress. With encouragement from my teachers and recognition from my peers, I gained more confidence, especially between my first and second year. I realized that the person who could push me to improve the most was myself. The late-night practices my friend and I held before our performance coaching the next morning, along with the private lessons provided by ED5, were pivotal in my growth. I was thrilled when I was selected to sing in one of the musical pieces for our second-year graduation show. That experience marked a significant turning point for me, boosting my confidence to levels I had never thought possible. This newfound confidence encouraged me to audition for various musicals. Though I faced many rejections initially, I persevered and eventually landed my first musical, Jesus Christ Superstar. To my surprise, I found myself singing featured lines in front of thousands, something I never imagined would happen to me after 20 years of training in dancing. This was when I needed to remind myself that I have to start believing in myself more and know that I am capable of anything!
What advice would you give to someone considering pursuing full-time dance studies at the school you attended? What are the key things they should know or prepare for?
When considering full-time dance studies, it's important to be prepared for an intense journey that will push you beyond your limits. You'll face long hours of hard work and dedication to your craft, and it's crucial to stay open-minded about experiences that may challenge your comfort zone and make you feel vulnerable. Full-time training is designed to help you become the best professional version of yourself, both as a performer and as a person, especially as you move towards auditioning after graduation. There will undoubtedly be days that are challenging and exhausting, but trusting the process is key. It's essential to listen to your teachers, take their feedback seriously, and remember why you embarked on this path in the first place—your love for dance. Always give 100% in every class because this commitment will shape your future. Remember, full-time training is not a permanent phase. In a blink of an eye, you'll find yourself in the real world, pursuing those dream job auditions. My advice is to perform in every class like it's your last opportunity. Lastly, don't forget to have fun along the way!
The rewards of this journey become evident when you reflect on your growth, and I am especially grateful to the Founders/Directors of ED5INTERNATIONAL, Elena and Mario De Cinque and Director William Forsythe for everything they've done to help shape me into the person and performer I am today!
Follow:
Dancer: @bella_massey
School: @ed5international