Jenna she chose Urdang to strengthen her versatility and pursue her dream of performing professionally in the West End and beyond.
Why did you decide to apply to study at Urdang?
I applied to Urdang because of its renowned triple-threat training in dancing, singing, and acting.
My dream career is to work in the performing arts industry, and I knew that Urdang’s incredible programme could help me get there by expanding my versatility as a performer. Having grown up as a dancer, I recognised the importance of strengthening my singing skills, and knew Urdang would provide the perfect environment to do so while maintaining my intense dance training.
Furthermore, another incentive to apply was Urdang’s exceptional reputation and alumni success in the West End. The idea of training in the heart of London, and so close to the West End, was another major factor in my application. London is such an inspiring city, and the thought of getting to train at Urdang with industry professionals made my dreams feel closer to reality.
What is your favourite thing about studying at Urdang?
My favourite thing about Urdang is the community. As an international student, Urdang has become a home away from home for me. From the first day, everyone has been so welcoming and supportive of one another.
It is truly a safe and uplifting environment where I am constantly inspired by the talent and dedication around me. What makes it even more special is the shared love for performing arts and musical theatre we all have, which creates an even closer bond.
What kind of things are you involved in outside your course?
Outside of my course, I am a Student Ambassador for City St George’s, University of London. In this role, I have the opportunity to work at Open Days and hopefully inspire prospective students to apply to Urdang. In my spare time, I love exploring London and watching musicals in the West End.
Tell us about your first year?
As a first year at Urdang, I train equally in dancing, singing, and acting. I take various dance classes, such as jazz, ballet, tap, street, contemporary, Horton, and musical theatre jazz. In terms of singing, each week covers singing technique, repertoire, and ensemble singing.
I also have two acting classes each week, along with acting through song and Integrated Performance (IP). First year at Urdang also includes classes that benefit us as performers, such as dance conditioning, music theory, healthier performer module, and dance and musical theatre history.
What I love about first year is that it exposes us to dancing, singing, and acting, helping us prepare to choose our tracks for second year.
What are you most looking forward to during the rest of your time at Urdang?
I am most looking forward to continuing to see improvement in my craft. Even after just one term, I feel I have already improved so much, and I cannot wait to continue challenging myself and growing as an artist. I love getting to do what I love every day, and see my hard work pay off.
What would be your top tip for our applicants?
My top tip for applicants is to be yourself. My favourite thing about Urdang is how unique everyone is and how everyone shines in their own way. So, make sure to be your unique self in your application, and always remember to believe in yourself.
What do you plan to do after you graduate?
After I graduate, I would love to do anything related to performing. However, it would be a dream to work in the West End, on cruise ships, as a backup dancer, and in the film and television industry.
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