It’s not just about technique, Ludus Dance has helped me learn what it means to be an independent artist

We couldn’t be more proud of our fabulous Hazel Loftus from the Ludus Youth Dance Company, who has recently been offered a place at Dance City to study an MA in Dance Performance.

Hazel has been part of the company for the last two years and has written a short blog for us about how her time with us has helped her with everything from improved technique to performance and leadership skills…

‘I have been in Ludus Youth Dance Company for the past two years, starting as I began my second year of my degree at UCLan, studying Dance Performance and Teaching. The past few years have been a real big eye opener for me as, before I started training in Lancashire, I had never been exposed to the contemporary dance scene.

Ludus Dance hasn’t just helped me with my dance technique, it has helped me develop and deepen my understanding of what it means to be an independent artist. I have been given leadership opportunities and teaching experience, alongside supporting big events such as Big Up North and their sharing event Spring Forward.

Whilst supplying me with both people and life skills, Ludus Dance has allowed me to strengthen my technique, create my own material, and work with other like-minded young people and professional choreographers and performers. Something I am forever grateful for, is my recent success in auditioning for an MA at Dance City, based in Newcastle. This is something I believe would not have happened without the support from Ludus Dance.

The best thing I have found about Ludus Youth Dance Company is that the classes, led by Zoe Chambers, are always full of fun and push every one of us to reach our full potential. My favourite thing is being able to watch members of the company grow from strength to strength and watching friends, over-time, become more creative and more open minded to what dance and performance can be.

Ludus Dance has filled me with confidence, and I only wish I had started in the company at an earlier age.

Whilst I begin to move on as an early career artist I know that I can always return to Ludus Dance as they constantly have exciting, cutting edge projects running and professional classes to be getting involved with. Thankyou Ludus Dance !!!’.

We’re sure you’ll be a huge success Hazel. If anyone thinking of studying dance or a career in dance would like to audition for Ludus Youth Dance company (aged 14-21), the auditions for the next company will be happening over summer. Keep an eye out for more details on our website.

And for anyone aged 10-14, who loves to dance and has aspirations to join the youth company, we have just the thing for you with LYDC Juniors… check it out.