STUDYING FROM YOUR OWN HOME
STUDENT PROFILES
DESMOND WILLIAMS
BA (Hons) Dance Education
Past: I was interested in dance from an early age, developing my own unique style on the streets and in clubs. Winning dance competitions inspired me to attend formal dance lessons and become a professional dancer. After a successful professional dance and choreography career, I moved into dance teaching and have since taught in various secondary schools and at a well- known theatre school as a street-dance teacher for over 15 years.
Present: I decided to study the BA (Hons) in Dance Education because I want to gain an accredited qualification and widen my theoretical knowledge of dance. I chose the Royal Academy of Dance because of its excellent reputation as a learning institution and because of the flexibility the course offers to full-time workers. The best thing about the programme is the friendly support and encouragement I receive from highly-knowledgeable and experienced tutors.
Future: In the future I would like to open my own dance school, passing on my knowledge and enthusiasm to the next generation of dancers.
DEBORAH MCFADDEN
BA (Hons) Dance Education
Past: I have been teaching in the private sector since the tender age of 19. In my early twenties I got married and started a family. Throughout both my pregnancies I continued to teach and started training for my qualifications. By 25 I had completed the RAD Teaching Certificate as well as AIDT in Modern Dance Advanced Teachers.
Present: After meeting the RAD’s Director of Education at a talk in Cape Town, South Africa, the idea of completing a degree was re-visited. Though it took a few more years to finally start the process I am very excited to be on the programme at last.
Future: This is a personal goal and a challenging one. As I run a full-time studio as well studying I find that good time management is key. However, striving to continuously move forward and learn has always been my motto.
GAYNOR ZWAAGSTRA
Master of Teaching (Dance)
Past: I completed my dance training at the Royal Ballet Upper School in London and went on to work as a professional dancer in Switzerland. When I returned to Liverpool, I qualified as an RAD teacher and opened the Dance Art Studio with my husband. I completed the Faculty of Education’s BPhil (Hons) programme and then went on to study a PGCE in Liverpool. I now teach full time in a secondary school whilst continuing to run my own school.
Present: When I read about the Master of Teaching (Dance) programme I saw it as the next logical step in my career and felt that in this way I could contribute to the collective responsibility we share as dance teachers to enhance the profile of our profession. I am thoroughly enjoying the programme and the challenge of academic study.
Future: I would definitely consider study beyond this programme as an option for future career development.
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Candoco Dance Company. Photo: Ros Chesher
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