Making Moves: Navigating the Dance Industry
Led by Kristin Abbott, Dance Artist, Choreographer and Dance Teacher
Participants will gain an insight into what it is like being a professional dancer and take part in a creative dance workshop. The workshop will explore Contemporary Dance Techniques and the creative process. Participants should wear comfortable clothing, bare feet and bring water bottles.
Tell us something interesting about your career to date:
"I was selected from 1000’s of dancers to be part of Boot Camp for BBC’s So You Think You Can Dance in 2010.
My company Abbott Dance Theatre has produced and toured work nationally with support of funding from Arts Council and other partners. My production ‘Launch Day’ was nominated for the Living North Awards in 2016."
What is the best piece of careers advice you have ever received?
"‘It is risky not to take risks!’ – Bode Lawal (Artistic Director, Sakoba Dance Theatre. As a dancer, you are continuing evolving and in order to develop your practice, you must push yourself beyond your imagined capabilities and take on challenges in the safe space that is the dance studio. If you fall over, you get back up but if you don’t take risks, you will never realise your full potential."
Your pathway into your career:
"I began Ballet aged 4yrs and then took up modern dance at the age of 8yrs. I left Ireland at 18yrs to train at Stella Mann College in London where I completed a 3yr Higher Diploma in Dance. This was a rigorous and tough training programme where I also completed RAD Advanced Ballet exams and ISTD Modern Associate. As well as dance, we also trained in acting and singing."