Tell us more about yourself. Where are you from and what made you decide to pursue an education in dance at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance?
My name is Gianna Rotkvich and I was born and raised in Chicago, IL. I began dancing at the age of 12 and immediately realized the immense love I have for the art form. I enrolled at The Chicago Academy for the Arts, where I focused on academics for the first half of the day and my dance education into the night. When the time came to look into universities, I felt that I needed to further my training in completely different aspects to those my education had offered so far. This led to a very intense desire to train in England once I discovered the different qualities of movement explored on the other side of the world. I had planned to audition for every dance conservatoire in England but the creativity and exploration I saw at Northern School of the Contemporary Dance felt unmatched. I knew Northern would enhance my training in the best ways possible without ever walking into the building. I ended up only applying to NSCD and never regretted that decision.
What sparked your interest in dance? Can you name some dancers who inspired you to start?
My desire to start dancing initially was to become a more well-rounded performer, as I was very focused on musical theatre and singing as a child. After a few classes in dance, I couldn’t get enough. I took a particular interest in ballet at the beginning of my training and working on pointe was something I was very keen and determined to accomplish. Some of my early inspirations were Maria Kochetkova and Misty Copeland whereas now I look up to more contemporary based dancers and choreographers such as Crystal Pite, Emma Portner and Ohad Naharin.
Tell us more about what life is like in Leeds. What are some non-academic memorable experiences you’ve had so far?
Life in Leeds has been a lot of fun and quite interesting for me coming from America. I was very intrigued with getting accustomed to British culture and found myself in some funny situations. Being in class with people from all around the world is something I see as quite valuable. I love to hear about how different people grew up and where they’ve come from. Everyone has such different stories and experiences and getting insight into that has been one of the most rewarding things about my time here.
Can you walk us through what a day in your life was like as an NSCD student pre-pandemic, in and out of the classroom?
A typical day at Northern would consist of waking up around 8am and heading to the studio to warm up at half 8. Depending on the term and or module, the lessons throughout the day vary between contemporary, ballet, creative practice, improvisation and partner work as well as rehearsal periods with guest choreographers or for solo creations. Typically we have two technique classes followed by classes related to creative or performance modules finishing at around 5pm. After the school day, the studios would remain open until 9pm for students to work independently on any material necessary.
Can you walk us through what a day in your life is like as an NSCD student today, post-pandemic?
Post-pandemic, Northern has made strong efforts to keep the students and staff safe while remaining in the studios for class. We are situated in much smaller groups of people and can no longer access studios independently. Despite this and other small restrictions, I feel we are all adapting based on what is best for the safety and comfort of everyone at Northern while ensuring we have the ability to get the most out of our training.
How did it feel to be back in the studio? What were you looking forward to the most returning? How did classes and studies change with new safety measures?
It felt incredible to be back in a studio dancing with others. There’s a certain energy created by being in the room with other people there for the same purpose as you, which is to dance. I love watching people in my classes almost as much as I enjoy actually doing the movement because it inspires and motivates me. I feel pushed to go beyond myself and explore qualities that I find interesting in others. This is unattainable in one’s bedroom so I felt grateful to be experiencing this once again.
Would you say NSCD did a good job adapting to the challenges that came with the pandemic, with their methods of protecting the safety and wellbeing of students?
I think Northern has been very resilient as well as meticulous and cautious in its approach to adapting to a global pandemic. The precautions in place have proven to be effective for students who have come in contact with the virus since the school was able to remain open with no cases spreading.
What have been some of your favourite or most memorable classes so far? Why?
The most memorable classes for me have been the ones I found the most challenging. I love to be pushed out of my comfort zone and having had no experience with floorwork prior to Northern, my first and second-year classes with Phil Sanger and Matt Slater definitely challenged me in ways I had never experienced before. Training with Anton Lachky was another experience which was unforgettable. I was pushed in every way possible as an artist and dancer and have grown immensely because of it.
Who are some of the teachers or instructors who have provided support and guidance to you? How so?
The teachers are extremely supportive at Northern. I feel comfortable seeking advice and insight from teachers whether it be for help in or outside of the studio and I find this to be very comforting. As a student, I definitely feel our teachers care on a multitude of levels.
How do you see your dance career progressing once you graduate?
After I graduate this year, I want to take some time to develop myself as a freelance dancer and all-around artist. I aim to work with very different types of choreographers and immerse myself in a multitude of opportunities. I’ve always envisioned myself dancing with a company and plan to pursue this path after I feel that I have found myself as an individual working artist within the dance world. I am very excited for my future as an artist after completing my degree at Northern.
What are the most valuable skills you have gained during your time at NSCD?
I’ve learned to trust myself as an artist and as a creator. I’ve stopped questioning and worrying about messing up or falling and have really been able to find the beauty in the exploration and the process of learning itself.
What advice would you give other students looking into pursuing an education in dance at NSCD?
Take time to remind yourself of why you dance outside of classes in your own explorations. At times, it does get overwhelming or intense but I have found that the biggest motivator for me is to connect to myself and the reason why I am here in the first place. Another bit of advice I would give is to be very open and honest with the staff and teachers at Northern. They are there to support you and give you guidance in any way they can.
