Leaving the supportive environment of Bede's and the Legat School of Dance, Alumna Asia embarked on a challenging and rewarding professional journey. Her path began with an immersive three-year Bachelor of Arts degree at the prestigious Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. This was a proud accomplishment that built upon her strong foundation at Bede's. After graduating, she joined the intensive contemporary training program at Dart Dance Company, an experience she describes as a "truly special experience." While the initial audition season was full of rejections, she refused to give up, seeing them not as failures but as guideposts to find her true place. Her perseverance paid off when she was invited to continue her training with Dart DSP, where she worked on both personal and professional growth, building key relationships and establishing herself as a committed and dedicated dancer.

What you have done since leaving Bede's; the challenges and achievements leading to your heading off to the Dart Dance Company.

Since leaving Bede’s, I graduated from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London, completing the BA (Hons) in Contemporary Dance. This is one of my proudest achievements. I truly loved my time there and I am so grateful for the opportunity to study in such an inspiring and exceptional place. The dance world is incredibly challenging, and every day presented a personal challenge. After Laban, I was accepted into Dart Studios for a 10-month contemporary intensive course with Dart Dance Company. This experience allowed me to put everything I had learned at Laban into practice and truly immerse myself in dance. Each week was a new challenge, different styles, working with a variety of artists, and performing on stage regularly. The 2024 audition season was tough. Companies were looking for very specific dancers with particular skills and qualities, and unfortunately, I wasn’t accepted into any. I was invited to auditions but often got cut or rejected. Deep down, I felt I wasn’t quite ready, but my current director offered me the opportunity to stay for a second year, which I gratefully accepted. I joined Dart DSP (essentially Dart Studios), where I continued my training and growth. This past year has been focused on both personal and professional development. I not only worked on improving my dance skills but also made an effort to build strong connections with directors, choreographers, and guest artists. I made myself visible and available to them, as well as to my peers and the company. Through this, I became a reference point for others, demonstrating my commitment to hard work and continuous improvement, both as a dancer and as an individual.

Thinking back to your time at Bede's, what are some of your fondest memories, both inside and outside of the dance studio?

I have such fond memories of my time at Bede’s, and I still talk about it and share my experiences with my course mates and friends today. Legat truly felt like home, we were a real family who supported one another, helped each other, and had a lot of fun together. It wasn’t just the students; we also had an incredible relationship with our teachers. We spent a lot of time together, both inside and outside of the studio. Being Dance Captain in my second and final year gave me the opportunity to connect with everyone on a deeper level, and it brought us even closer. I really enjoyed getting to know everyone, and sometimes I truly miss those days. Even though we were all in different year groups, it didn’t matter, we were always together during breaks, rehearsals, and events like the cabaret. There were no divisions, just one Legat team. 

How did being a part of LEGAT shape you as a dancer and as a person? 

I learnt so much during my time at Legat; team building, leadership, listening, having fun, but also the importance of hard work and commitment. It was a truly special experience that shaped me deeply, both as a dancer and as a person. It was at Legat that I began to build my confidence and really started to understand who I am and what I want to become. Moving away from home in Italy at the age of 16 was a big step, but it felt natural and somehow easy because I was so well supported, by both Legat and Bede’s, and of course by my house, Crossways. Everyone I met there had, and still has, a huge impact on my life and on the person I am today. I’m incredibly grateful for that time.

Can you recall a specific performance or rehearsal with LEGAT that was particularly impactful for you? What made it so memorable?

It’s hard to pinpoint one specific moment or day, it’s been nearly seven years now, but what has really stayed with me is the feeling, the atmosphere, and the overall memories. Legat created something magical every time we were together. They organized so many wonderful things, and it was always truly inspiring to be surrounded by such passionate and creative people. If I had to choose, I’d say the Cabaret was one of the most incredible experiences I’ve ever had. It wasn’t just Legat, all of Bede’s came together for those few days, which were actually months, to create something truly special. The energy during rehearsals, the excitement before and after the show, the moments in the changing rooms, the make-up sessions, the costume fittings, every part of it felt unforgettable. Looking back at videos and photos now, it all still feels spectacular. I’m truly grateful to have been part of something so unique.

LEGAT is known for its strong emphasis on both classical and contemporary techniques. How do you feel this dual focus prepared you for the diverse demands of the professional dance world?

When I decided to come to Legat, it was because of its strong focus on contemporary dance. But during my time there, I began to explore much more, not just dance in a general sense, but specific techniques and syllabi. I studied Release, Cunningham, ISTD, RAD, ballet, pointe work, and repertoire in both ballet and contemporary styles and I could go on forever! This gave me a solid foundation before going on to Trinity Laban, where everything naturally became more specialized and intense. Legat provided me with a strong base and a great starting point, it helped me understand what I enjoy, what suits me, and what I want to pursue. It also gave me the tools to face whatever challenges came next. Thanks to Legat, I gained experience in a wide range of styles, not only ballet and contemporary, but also jazz, musical theatre, tap, and modern. I even discovered I could sing a bit, thanks to Mrs. Pennington! What also stood out was how Legat prepared us theoretically. I absolutely loved my theory lessons, learning about the pioneers of dance and the most iconic, ground-breaking choreographic works that laid the foundations of contemporary dance. That knowledge still inspires me today.

Can you describe the process of auditioning for professional companies? What was the experience like, and what did you learn from it?

Challenging. That’s the word that best describes auditioning, especially for professional companies. Auditions are always demanding, but company auditions take it to another level. They're looking for very specific things: particular dynamics, movement qualities, body types, even personalities. There’s often a lot of comparison, and it’s easy to start doubting yourself and your abilities. But what I’ve learnt is that rejection, whether it’s one or a hundred, doesn’t define who you are as a dancer or as a person. It simply means that wasn’t the right place for you. The right company will see you, value you, and want you. It’s also so much about attitude and confidence, even if it’s not real at first. If you keep pretending to be confident, eventually you’ll believe it, and you’ll become it. Directors don’t just watch you while you dance or do exercises. They’re not necessarily looking for perfection, they know we’re human, and mistakes happen. What they really notice is how you deal with stress, how you solve problems, how you carry yourself, how you interact with others. They’re looking at the person as much as the dancer. So yes, auditions are stressful, and they can be disheartening at times, but they’re also incredibly valuable. They teach you a lot about resilience, presence, and perseverance. It will always be a tough world, full of comparison, competition, and constant evaluation, but that’s part of the dance industry. So many people go through it. You have to fight for it and work hard every single day.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced on your journey from a student dancer to a professional dancer, and how did you overcome them?

I think one of the biggest challenges in the transition from student to professional dancer is the shift towards independent work and personal research. When you're a student, you're constantly guided; you're told what to do, corrected, encouraged, and given feedback. There's a structure, and people are there to push you. But once you become a professional, it’s no longer just about you. Corrections are often given to the group as a whole, and no one’s going to come over, pat you on the shoulder, and say, “Well done.” You have to learn to motivate yourself, to push yourself, and that can be really tough at first. It’s a hard step to take, and staying motivated can be a challenge. But eventually, it becomes normal, even exciting. You start to understand your own limits, and more importantly, how to go beyond them. You also begin to discover what you’re genuinely interested in exploring more deeply as an artist. It’s definitely a big step, but it’s one that every dancer has to take, and one that helps you grow not just professionally, but personally too.

How did the support and guidance from the teachers at LEGAT and Bede's contribute to your success in achieving your dream of becoming a professional dancer?

As I mentioned before, Bede’s, Legat, and Crossways always supported me, and they still do. I’m still in touch with the Legat team and with Crossways in particular. They constantly encouraged me to be better, to push myself, and to aim high. I worked incredibly hard, nothing was ever handed to me, but I always knew that if I needed anything, they were there. I was so lucky to have found such amazing mentors and role models. Their guidance, belief in me, and constant support played a huge role in helping me achieve my dream of becoming a professional dancer.

Congratulations on joining the Dart Dance Company in Berlin! What about this company, in particular, drew you to it?

During my final year at Laban, I started hearing a lot about Dart Dance Company, so I began to look into it more seriously. What really caught my attention was a trailer for a piece they performed, Text Me When You Land by Peter Chu. The movement, the music, the energy, everything about it just captivated me. I knew immediately that it was something I wanted to be part of. I applied for several of their workshops and was fortunate to be selected each time, but for one reason or another, I wasn’t able to attend. Eventually, I decided to go for the audition, and from that moment, everything just fell into place. That’s when the magic truly began.

What are you most excited about for this new chapter of your life as a full-time company member?

I’m really excited to officially begin my career and, most of all, to dance. What I love about Dart Dance Company is that it’s so much more than just performing, my role as a company member touches on many different areas. Alongside dancing, I also teach contemporary, improvisation, and company repertoire to the students of the DART DSP course. On the administrative side, I’m involved in all the behind-the-scenes work that keeps the company running; from scheduling and organising auditions, workshops, teachers, and choreographers, to planning performances and managing all the logistics that a professional company requires. It’s a full-on role, a complete, immersive experience, and I’m genuinely excited to get started and contribute in every way I can.

What does a typical day of training and rehearsal look like for you now?

During non-creation periods, my day typically starts around 10am with technique classes that run until about 2pm. We begin with ballet, followed by contemporary, and finish with repertoire. From 2pm to 6pm, I move on to office work, this can include creating phrases for my classes, revising the repertoire we need to teach during the week, or handling various administrative tasks. During creation periods, the schedule shifts slightly. We still begin at 10am, but the mornings are dedicated to the course creation, where an external choreographer works with the students over the course of a month to build a new piece. From 2pm onwards, company rehearsals take place, these might involve working on new creations or restaging existing works. The length of rehearsal depends on how many pieces we’re focusing on at the time. During these creation phases, I’ll usually handle my office work in the mornings while the DSP creation is taking place.

What is the one piece of advice you would give to current LEGAT students who dream of pursuing a professional career in dance?

Don’t give up. Keep fighting for your dreams. Keep pushing, and keep working hard every single day. It’s completely normal to have difficult days, to feel like giving up, to doubt yourself, to think you’re not good enough and that your dream might never come true. But those are the exact moments when you need to keep going. Things do happen. Dreams do come true. All the sacrifices and the hard work will be worth it when you begin to live the life you’ve always imagined. Remember, you are special and unique, no one else can be exactly like you. So be yourself, believe in yourself, and just go for it.

What do you wish you had known when you were in their shoes?

I wish I’d known that hard work beats talent. You don’t need to be the most flexible, have the best feet, or perfect lines to be a good dancer. Of course, those things can help, but if you don’t have them, it’s absolutely okay. With consistent work and dedication, you can improve and develop all of that. It’s really about your attitude, how committed you are, how well you manage your time, how disciplined you are, how you behave in the studio, and whether you can be a team player. I wish I’d known that you don’t have to be perfect. You just need to be human, to be a dancer who loves what they do, who shows up with passion and perseverance, and who enjoys the process of working hard and seeing progress. That’s what truly matters.

For students who are currently navigating the stress of auditions and the pressure to succeed, what words of encouragement would you offer them?

Breathe, what you’re feeling is completely normal, and it’s all valid. It simply means you care, and that’s a beautiful thing. Go in and be yourself. I know how hard it can be to walk into a room full of incredibly talented dancers, but remember, you are one of them too. Believe in yourself. Trust your journey, and know that what you bring to the space is unique and valuable. You've got this.

After a journey marked by hard work and resilience, Alumna Asia has achieved her dream and is now a full-time member of the Dart Dance Company. Her success is a testament to the strong foundation she built at Legat, which she credits for instilling in her the importance of hard work, discipline, and commitment. She still maintains a strong connection with her mentors and friends from Bede's, a testament to the family she found at Legat and Crossways House. Alumna Asia's story is not just one of dance; it's a powerful reminder that with passion and perseverance, even in the face of setbacks, a dancer's dreams can become a reality. Her advice to current students is clear: believe in your unique qualities, fight for your dreams, and remember that hard work will always beat talent.