Laura tells us about her journey since graduation and how the University of Plymouth shaped her career.
Year of graduation: 2013
"Make the most of all the opportunities on offer. Always make a good impression, you don’t know who you’re going to be employed by after graduation. Start building on your skill set and networks immediately. Don’t leave it until you graduate."
"I immediately embedded myself into the dance community in the South West and getting involved with as much performing and teaching opportunities as I possibly could. I adore the South West and knew this was where I wanted to be based. I volunteered with Exim Dance Company throughout my second and third year at the University and was interested in how I could get more involved with them. I applied for the company’s first Arts Council funded tour as a performer and was successful and my journey with them has gone through many transitions. I have been an intern, a practitioner, general manager and co-company director...
I was appointed as Artistic Director of Exim Dance Company in September 2016 and was invited to have business development training with Real Ideas Organisation for the growth of Exim Dance Company as a social enterprise. I also work as a community freelancer for Plymouth Dance as Corporate Development Coordinator and a core practitioner for Tea Dance with a Twist!, an intergenerational event held at Plymouth Guildhall monthly.
I am in a very fortunate position where most days are exhilarating, and I pinch myself that I do something I love and earn a living for it. I have worked in Spain, performed in Moscow, and Exim Dance Company represented the United Kingdom at the Korea International Inclusive Dance Festival. I absolutely love watching breakthrough moments with the people we work with whether its confidence building, leading on creative tasks or taking complete ownership with what that they are doing.
The course modules prepared me for life after graduation and how best to deal with being a freelancer. Five years after graduating I still have a working relationship with the University, leading career talks, delivering inclusive dance workshops and I regularly have one-to-one meetings. The support the University gave me did not stop after graduation.
Exim Dance Company offer a range of ways to get involved with the Company whether it’s taking part in weekly classes, volunteering with events, apprenticeships or internships. If you are interested, then get in contact with Exim Dance. We are happy to help any students who are developing their dance career even offer mentoring or advice.
