Professional Masterclass for Bury College students

Date published: 04 February 2012

Level 3 Performing Arts Dance and Musical Theatre students from Bury College benefitted from a professional masterclass and careers talk from freelance choreographer and lecturer of dance, Stuart Hayes.

Stuart brought his industry experience to the College, teaching students a choreographed dance performance followed by an informative career presentation about progressing to dance and stage schools and employment opportunities available. Brogan Flanagan, age 17 from Middleton and former pupil of Holy Family said, “It has been really inspiring and has made me want to progress into the industry. It has provided me with a taste of what we could experience in the future. It also showed me the energy and hard work required at stage school.”

Former pupil of Tottington High School, Amy Rodrigues (age 16, from Bury) added, “It has been a good experience, I’ve learnt a lot. I’d love to do it again! It was good to work with someone who has experience in industry.”

Stuart, who is from Bury, teaches at Masters Performing Arts College in London and the Midlands Academy of Dance and Drama (MADD) alongside his freelance projects, which include working as the producer and choreographer for Children in Need (2011) and choreographer for Clarkes shoes and Gratton. Stuart was also resident dancer and assistant choreographer throughout Dannii Minogues ‘Neon Nights’ album.

Stuart said, “I am originally from Bury so it’s great to be able to give something back to the community I grew up in. I want to inspire the students and show them all the different opportunities available in the commercial industry.”

Jools Beech, Assistant Curriculum Manager for Performing Arts and Music was delighted with the student response to the masterclass. Jools added, “It’s important to show students the career opportunities available on completion of their courses. Stuart’s masterclass has inspired the students and made them aware of the different avenues that can be pursued after college.”