Why did you decide to get involved with NUDance?
I had been dancing long before coming to University – so I knew I wanted to find a society that provided weekly dance lessons. NUDance was the perfect society for me!
Is it exclusive to experienced dancers?
Not at all! NUDance prides itself on inclusivity; we aim to get as many people involved as possible! To ensure that we are accessible to all of our members, we offer beginners classes in ballet, tap and street while our commercial, contemporary and jazz classes are suitable for all abilities.
What are the socials like? (Are they as wild as sport socials?)
Fortunately, we are not classed as a sport so our socials aren’t quite as gruelling as the notorious sport initiations! We tend to do 2-3 socials a term and a mixture of both club nights and non-alcoholic events. Our biggest night of the year is our ‘Adoptions’ social which we hold shortly after team auditions in October. It is compulsory for our competition team members to attend (but not to worry- no initiations involved here!) Ultimately, most of our team bonding occurs in the studio, where the majority of us spend 6-10 hours a week! We try to ensure our socials are varied; last year, we held a few non-alcoholic socials where we viewed DVDs of our past annual showcases. There were sweets, chocolate and cake! As a society, we believe that these types of socials are as important as any other.
What has been your favourite NUDance memory?
It’s hard to pinpoint one memory from NUDance that I would call my favourite. One of the major highlights from last year was when we were awarded ‘Best University’ at the ‘Loughborough Dance Competition’, the largest inter-uni dance competition in the UK. It was such a great achievement (although there is now the pressure to maintain our title this year!). Above all else, I would say the best thing about joining NUDance is being given the opportunity to perform on countless occasions.
Have you had any particularly memorable performances?
Unfortunately, although I have been involved in so many great NUDance shows, an especially embarrassing one comes to mind! Last year, NUDance were asked to perform at the annual Societies Ball. Specifically, the Tap Competition piece (featuring me) was included in the showcase. The performance was at 10pm and we had all been drinking since 5pm. Let’s just say, the mixture of alcohol, a particularly slippery floor and high heeled tap shoes were a recipe for disaster. At one point in the dance, I lost my balance, subsequently face planting the floor. It was especially embarrassing because I was dancing mid-centre front of the stage. To make matters even worse, it was all caught on camera – so now nobody will let me forget it (including the 65 people who liked it on my Instagram account). Oh well, if you can’t laugh at yourself, who can?
What is the most difficult part of being President?
As president of the dance society, there is always so much to be done behind the scenes; time management and organisational skills are crucial! However, it is the need to make quick decisions that I have found most difficult. I have learnt that it is important to put your society and your committee first, under all circumstances. You have to be selfless when running a successful, enjoyable and friendly society!
Do you struggle to balance this commitment with your studies?
Surprisingly not! If anything, taking on the role has made me much more efficient with my studies. If I know I have rehearsals 3 times a week, I will prioritise my coursework on certain days. Effectively, this ensures all my reading and seminar preparation is up-to-date before I enter the studio. Although I must say that without Adam (my Vice President) and the help of my trusty academic planner filled with to-do lists, I would struggle a lot!
One good reason for students to join NUDance?
New friends! I can honestly say that NUDance is the most welcoming and friendly group of people I have ever worked with – even right down to the qualified teachers who enter the studio with beaming smiles each and every week! Throughout my time at university, NUDance has been the one place where I have made friends for life.
NUDance competition team auditions will be held between 13th-15th October. If you are interested in joining NUDance, message Ellie Wardrope for details.