New College Students go on Trip of a Lifetime to New York

The Dance students embarked on their performance journey using the site specific space of three locations in Central Park to create and perform a short movement sequence.

Dance students were given the opportunity to get involved in exclusive workshops at Martha Graham and Alvin Ailey Schools.

Performing Arts student Lucy Baldwin said: “I really enjoyed the dance workshops; it was also really interesting to find out about different styles of training.”

Performing Arts students visited the Musical Theatre Department and completed a Performance Lab workshop at New York Film Academy, which the College has formed great links with, for special workshop sessions.

Dance student Imogen West said: “It has been the most mesmerising and inspiring experience, and I am so thankful to the Dance & Performing Arts Department for organising it.”

Dance student Jessica Carroll said: ‘’The whole experience was incredible. Having the chance to dance with professionals was inspiring and a once in a life time opportunity. I’m very thankful to my teachers.’’

The students took part in a Broadway workshop with a cast member from the show. The students hit Broadway and watched ‘Kinky Boots’, which has received great reviews and got the chance to meet some of the performers at the stage door.

Performing Arts student Samantha Marsh said: “I really enjoyed all of the workshops, especially the New York Film Academy sessions, as I found it very beneficial. The Broadway production of Kinky Boots was amazing.”

The group visited Radio City Music Hall and got to see the Rockettes preparing for their Spring Spectacular. They also stopped off at the Lincoln Centre for Performing Arts; learning about Orchestra, Ballet and Opera Theatres which were beautiful.

Sightseeing was also a highlight of the trip with students getting the chance to visit the Empire State Building, The Statue of Liberty, Ground Zero, Top of the Rock and Ellen’s Stardust Diner.

New College would like to say a huge thank you to Paul Clark Services for sponsoring the trip and providing the students with hoodies.

Nicola Brown, Performing Arts Course Leader said: “We are thrilled to be able to take our students on such a life changing trip. I’m sure they have picked up so many new skills that can go towards their own projects and coursework. Hopefully we can do more trips like this in the future to help inspire our students and provide them with links to the Performing Arts and Dance industry.”

Nikki McKnight, Dance Course Leader said:  “It was brilliant to be able to take our students to the ‘home’ of some of the most iconic figures in Contemporary Dance – putting our classwork back in the UK into context.  Totally inspiring trip – we can’t wait to do it again!”

The students will be performing the Broadway and West End hit musical Guys and Dolls at New College on Thursday 26th and Friday 27th March. Tickets are available via the Wyvern Theatre website or call 01793 524481.