LISA-SOFIA ZIEMANN

BA (Hons) in Dance (Contemporary)

Why did you decide to study contemporary dance?       

I first started Contemporary dance during my GCSE’s and initially hated it. However I had seen contemporary works so out of curiosity I started doing workshops with different companies and ended up really loving it and now I’m here.

What do you enjoy about training in Leeds at NSCD?     

Everyone here, students, teachers and musicians are so passionate and invested in what they are doing. People here are always ready to support you and it feels like a family sort of environment, which is good especially when you are tired.

The diversity of backgrounds is so inspiring here, you find yourself learning all types of things from people.

What is life as a dance student like?          

You have very varied days yet this becomes routine. You have ups and downs, you will be tired and you’ll cry but you will also have breakthrough moments and pure moments of joy and laughter. It is so worth it when you look back and see the progress you have made.

What are the highlights of your time at NSCD so far?     

Highlights for me so far is graduating from Jasmin Vardimon Intensive (JVI), performing in the student showcase, workshops from guest teachers, and watching shows at the Riley theatre. I also have recently joined the Learning and Participation team helping with NSCD’s Saturday school.

What are your career goals?           

I want to dance in a company – I love physical theatre companies. Some of my favourite companies are Company Chameleon, Batsheva Dance Company and Jasmin Vardimon Company. After being a company dancer I want to become a choreographer. I want the travel and see the world too.

What advice would you give to people thinking of studying contemporary dance?

If you love it and are passionate about it I would say just do it! Do as much research as you can on it, find out what you like and what you don’t like. See everything even if you know you won’t like it you can still learn something from it. Go to after show talks and ask questions. Get as much experience as you can, go to workshops and network as contemporary dance is a small world.