Isabella May

I am a second-year undergraduate student at the University of Leeds, studying Fine Art with History of Art. I would like to expand my knowledge and skills through opportunities relating to my future aspirations within a creative industry. I am eager to find opportunities where I can showcase my love for creative elements like fashion, photography, illustration, and design. Whilst being able to work independently, I also seek out opportunities for work within social environments in which I can develop skills alongside likeminded creative people. I am enthusiastic and highly driven, ensuring every project I take on is completed with intention.

Runway Work 2025-2026

- Through the University of Leeds, I have been involved in runway modelling for the 2025 and 2026 runway shows. Within this, I have had to meet deadlines, work under pressure in a fast-paced environment, attend rehearsals punctually, attend auditions, and remain confident when working with new people and performing on stage. I have also had the opportunity to see how runway shows work behind the scenes, in terms of photoshoots, hair and makeup teams, coordination, and set up.

Curation and exhibitions 2024-ongoing

- As a Fine Art student, I have taken up opportunities to curate end of year exhibitions, in which I have worked alongside a small team of students to curate public shows within the FAHACS building. Within this I have had to pitch creative decisions to a group, as well as carry out jobs like cleaning the space, handling artworks, and using equipment like hammers and drills to install artworks.

Performances 2011-ongoing

- I have been involved in runway shows as a model, as well as many dance performances at several larger venues, such as at Whitley Bay Playhouse, amongst other stages. I have also performed in dance competitions with my dance competition team, and we won or placed in a significant amount of them. I performed in a professional Christmas pantomime and was chosen to be a dancer in the spring pantomime. During school, I have performed in multiple dance festivals as well as a school musical. Being part of the school musical allowed me to work confidently with people of all ages. I also performed in the school's 'Feast Day', dancing at our local church. I have performed with two choirs, and sang at Whitley Bay Playhouse, church, and a retirement home. I have had to use skills such as confidence and commitment throughout all my performances.

Teaching dance classes 2019-2023

- As part of my Performing Arts course in college, I led a year 7 dance club alongside the other students from my course. We choreographed a dance for year 7 students to perform at a local dance festival. This helped me learn to lead a large group, as well as teach in a team of four. I had to be approachable, friendly, and organised whilst running this club in order to keep it enjoyable but also productive for the kids. Along with this, I helped with teaching many classes within my dance school, and taught a class of my own, which contributed to my formal dance leader qualification.

Charity and Volunteering

- I have been involved in a number of charity events, including two charity fashion shows, a sponsored swim, delivering boxes for food banks, visiting a retirement home as part of my school choir, and various charity runs. I have also helped at Feast Days in our local church by welcoming people at the door, setting up, and answering questions. This has allowed me to use skills such as communication and enthusiasm to help out in the local area.

Reading Partners at St Thomas More College 2022

- I was involved in the 'Reading Partners' scheme at college, in which I supported year 8 students who struggle with reading. As part of this, I had to work one-on-one with the students, which taught me how to balance friendliness with professionalism.

Form representative and student ambassador at St Thomas More School 2021-2023

- I was a student ambassador throughout school and helped organise school events such as open evenings. This helped me further develop my skills of responsibility and working as part of a group. I was also a form representative, in which I assisted morning form time and represented the people in my form at school events.

Official dance leader qualification at Decote Dance