BA (Hons) Contemporary Dance Performance alum, Skiye Edmond, talks us through her plans post graduation from NSCD.
We interviewed one of our 2025 graduates Skiye Edmond, who joined us to study on our BA (Hons) Contemporary Dance Performance programme in 2022. Skiye tells us about her experiences as a student at NSCD then her plans for the future in dance and career progression. Post graduation, Skiye will train under Far From The Norm in NORMGROUND 2025 and will work with choreographer, Alethia Antonia, on a new creation.
What initially drew you to the course at NSCD?
“I have always loved dance and wanted to study it further to explore my artistic identity but with formal training in techniques to combine the two and become more disciplined. I particularly liked what the course was offering as opposed to other courses I had been looking at."
How did the course help you?
“I think overall, it was the journey towards and the performances themselves that helped me to learn and open up to my individuality. We were encouraged to learn by being playful in a defined setting and freedom of expression was encouraged. I wanted to learn about contemporary work and performances and creating dance, alone and also as part of a team or group, with like-minded people."
How has this helped you become a freelancer?
"Now I have graduated and am working as a freelancer, NSCD and the course showed me how to take control of my independence and take my ideas and thoughts which I never had chance to do before, which means I can dig deeper into what I actually want to do and commit to this. I also learned how to manage on my own, including finance etc."
What has been a key standout from the course ?
"For me, and perhaps I hadn't even realised how interested I was before in this area - the research projects that we worked on and particularly the film modules within the dance curriculum. Being able to delve into and explore the film element of dance for me is now as important as performing on stage."
What was a key takeaway from NSCD and your experiences?
"During the course, it became obvious right from the start that although the teachers I have had know so much [about their subject], they are also willing to work and grow with you and learn more themselves, which makes you really respect their knowledge. This mutual respect gave us the open mindedness to be ourselves yet also work on collaborations and enjoy the discussions. I also am pleased that I was lucky enough to be surrounded by lots of well rounded people in the student year which made it not only engaging and fun, but really felt part of a family."
What was your experience of NSCD?
"I felt incredibly lucky to have access to high quality performances by international dance companies at Riley Theatre on campus, and the whole ethos and passion behind the School, the courses offered, the opportunities given will never be forgotten. Seeing successful alumni from NSCD makes me proud to have been a part of this and I hope I can continue on in my career where one day, people are proud of me in the same way."
Finally, where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
"I think I would like to continue on my journey and make dance films, whilst also using my talent and skills to continue to perform, but for me, it now has to be on stage as well as behind the camera."
For those people who are interested in studying on our BA (Hons) Contemporary Dance Performance course, applications for 2025 are now closed, but look back in September for details around 2026 entry.
