Emma Rice

I have completed my RAD grades up to grade 7 which I received a distinction, along with the vocational intermediate receiving a merit and advanced foundation a distinction. Working through the RAD grades has taught me discipline and dedication along with good technique. I was given the opportunity to audition for High Points Youth Ballet, this opened my eyes to a whole new world of ballet. One filled with multiple chances to perform, experience new techniques, refine skills and connect with audiences that I didn’t believe was possible in Northern Ireland. I have continued my RAD studies where I am currently working towards Advanced One. With High Points I train 18 hours a week this has allowed me to develop good time management skills and progressed my dancing far beyond what I could have imagined. I have been able to take contemporary classes with a multitude of teachers and thoroughly explore the Vaganova technique, this allowed me to participate in their annual Nutcracker where along with various other roles I was privileged and honoured to perform as a snowflake with the same choreography used by the Mariinsky theatre. In the most recent Spring Gala and Belfast International Ballet Festival I performed as a shade from La Bayadere, I enjoyed this challenging piece as it pushed my physical abilities allowing me to become a stronger and more technical dancer. Through these corps de ballet performances I was able to develop my team working skills, these include the ability to effectively communicate, adapt quickly and be an active listener. Whilst undertaking other roles such as Chinese in the Nutcracker, Porcelain Doll in Fairy Doll and Coulante in sleeping beauty I was able to demonstrate my leadership skills by supporting and encouraging other members of the cast. I delighted in being able to bring these stories to life through my expression and portrayal of the characters. I successfully gained a role in Six Dance Collectives original production of White Doves, this gave me the opportunity to work in a neo-classical professional production, this experience was invaluable in teaching me the power of storytelling through dance. With High Points Youth Ballet I was given the opportunity represent them at YGP in Portugal where I preformed Awakening of flora, through learning a variation from the classical repertoire I have been able to further my independence, technical precision and performance maturity. I also performed Awakening of flora at Global Dance Open qualifiers where I received first place and qualified for the finals in San Sebastián.