July 2003 Archives

I have been involved in theatre and performance since before I can remember, my lifetime ambition when i was in primary school was to be in the local pantomime and I achieved that aged twelve! I studied drama at GCSE and then just after my sixth form induction to do A Levels, I decided I was going to follow my heart (v.corny sounding) and do a BTEC National Diploma in Performing Arts, which was where I had my first experiences of Contemporary Dance. With a great dance teacher called Nickely Burke - check out www.biserk.co.uk

Midway through applying to Drama Schools et al, I suffered a crisis of confidence (read: realised I was rubbish!) and decided to do a degree in dance instead - I changed a couple of my applications and went to Coventry University for their BA hons Degree in Dance and Professional Practice (Much more practical than most universities and v.good holistically and academically if you want a degree).

At the end of the first year I was doing well but felt like I could be learning and achieving a lot more in terms of technique and artistry and decided that I wanted to transfer to one of the 'top' dance schools in the UK. ie LCDS, Laban, Northern and according to a web page I stumbled across (article 19) the Scottish School of Contemporary Dance can be pitted alongside the aforementioned! 2 months letter I had auditioned and been accepted onto the NQ Contemporary Dance Performance YEY!!(read: jumping through hoops ecstatically)

I've just come back from Dundee this weekend after securing my accomodation - the place is alright, It has "character". What's with the red paint peeling off walls of hallways in student accomodation in dundee???? Besides, at £50/wk inclusive of bills who's going to argue??

I've just got a letter through from SSCD about the equipment list - its seems very big on having lots of leotards and stuff but Coventry said all that and no one ever wore them and the lecturers didn't expect us to either!! So before I spend a fortune on another two dance belts and leotards will someone please email me and tell me whether or not I need them!!!!!!!! lewis.ontop@btopenworld.com (and the address is an ironic play on what you thought it was)