What's Being a Third Year Dance Student Like?

What’s Being a Third Year Ballet Student Like?

As part of our interview week, we’ve spoken to our models and third year Northern Ballet students, Alison Eager and Amaris Gillies.

Alison Eager's dance student headshot                                                  Amaris Gillies on stage in ballet pose

Q: What’s it like being a 3rd yr in comparison to 2nd year?

Alison: I am finding that being a third year is all about implementing everything we have been preparing for the last two years. I feel it is also about really figuring out what sort of dancer you want to be and what career route you want to take. I think 3rd year is fundamentally learning to be a self sufficient dancer that can go out into the dance industry and flourish!

Amaris: It’s a lot more scary, but also really exciting. I think 2nd year is the time when you have the most fun cause you’re not feeling pressure of getting a job and stuff, but I think you learn so much in 3rd year and you have to change your mindset from being a student at School to becoming a professional, employable dancer.

Q: How are you preparing to enter the dance industry?

Alison: I would recommend that all 2nd years start researching jobs and companies now and see as many shows as they can to really get a feel of what interests them most. As for headshots and CV images, it is always a good idea to look into photographers to see the shooting style you like most, and book well in advance before they get too booked up!

Amaris: Right now it’s about getting together my headshots, CV and showreel. I’m also just trying to follow as many companies and agencies on social media so I can get a picture about upcoming auditions and what companies are currently looking for.

 Alison Eager being lifted by her ballet partner in The Nutcracker

Q: What do you hope to do after Ballet School?

Alison: I have always been hugely passionate about Classical Ballet first and foremost, but I am also finding myself drawn to Jazz, contemporary and Musical Theatre more and more. I’m hoping to go into areas that are perhaps not purely Classical Ballet but have a base of ballet. So musicals that are ballet based, like ‘An American in Paris’, ‘Cats’ and ‘Phantom’ would be an absolute dream for me! I am very open to Ballet-Contemporary and Neo Classical areas of work also! I eventually want to pursue Dance education as I am a qualified dance teacher and would love to establish my own dance school down the line after performing professionally.

Amaris: Literally anywhere that will have me! But seriously I think I’m going to audition for a big mix of things. I’ve got my eye on a couple companies that I'd love to be a part of but I'm just going to have to see how it goes.

Alison and Amaris finding time to pose between ballet shows

Remember tips for second & third years!

• Follow dance companies on social media
• Be quick to apply to auditions
• Attend as many dance shows as you can
• Book your headshots in early

Thank you Amaris and Alison for answering our questions. We’re sure 2nd and 3rd years out there will really benefit from your tips!