The following articles, written by a member of Monmouthshire Youth Dance Company, show the support and progression routes we’re able to provide for young people in Monmouthshire who decide to take their dancing further.

Emily Pritchard, undergraduate, BA (Hons) Dance, UWIC

I joined MYDC in September 2007, after deciding that I wanted to study dance at degree level. I had heard of Dance Blast through friends, and realised it would be the perfect place to gain the experience of contemporary dance I badly needed if I had any hope of going on to study at HE level. From the moment I walked in I felt welcomed and included and had a brilliant first class, an excellent introduction to contemporary dance, a style I hadn’t studied before. That first class was counted as my successful audition, a confidence boost in itself.

I continue to work with MYCD alongside my BA (Hons) Dance degree at UWIC – I’m now in my second year. If it wasn’t for Emma Carlson and the MYDC then I would be at a different university studying a back-up subject like English or History and not living the amazing life I am now. Emma and MYDC provided me with a solid grounding in contemporary technique, built up my confidence, and gave me experience in improvisation, choreography and performance.

I went for my audition at UWIC in the January of 2008 with a solo choreographed by my current ballet teacher as it was a style I was more comfortable with. At that time I had less than a year’s contemporary experience. I was initially unsuccessful, but was amazingly given a second chance. I was told that I had potential, but needed more contemporary experience and invited to re-audition in May.

It was then that Emma and MYCD really made a difference in my life. Emma agreed to work with me on a new contemporary solo, something I could have never have done alone at that time. She fit regular private sessions around an already hectic schedule and spent a great deal of time helping me develop both technically and mentally. She encouraged me to go for the three day intensive Spring Board course run by Diversions(now National Dance Company Wales) which I successfully applied for and completed in April 2008, the month before my second audition.

In May 2008 I successfully re-auditioned for UWIC’s dance course, a course that I absolutely love. Emma and the MYDC’s support didn’t stop there though. As it happened Emma was asked to cover technique classes at UWIC for the first term as one of the other lecturers was on maternity leave. This was great for me, as it eased the transition and gave me a familiar face in a world of new things. Cardiff is about 40 minutes away from Abergavenny by train and as universities have Wednesday afternoons off for sport I was able to continue taking part in the weekly MYDC classes. This was perfect for me, as it allowed me to come back to a more familiar and comfortable dance environment where my confidence was increased and technique improved. Through MYDC we are given many performance opportunities in a variety of locations such as Theatr Brycheiniog, Wales Millennium Centre and the Borough Theatre in Abergavenny. These opportunities to perform have given me invaluable experience as well as building my confidence.

One of the biggest benefits of being part of MYDC is my relationship with Emma Carlson. It is incredibly helpful to have someone like Emma who has been in the dance field for a long time now and is so experienced. She is a great sounding board and has many useful connections in the dance world. It is extremely reassuring to know I can always go to her with a question or for advice.