This year, several of our final year BA (Hons) students have secured work placements with professional companies.
Last month we learned about Jemima Colin who joined Rendez-Vous Dance Company for their 2024 tour of The Monocle – including a performance at our very own Riley Theatre.
Now, let’s hear from Giulia Carastro who joined Jack Philp Dance as an Apprentice Dancer for their reworked production and tour of Into the Novacene. Giulia's placement started with rehearsals back in February lasting three weeks, following which she joined the company on their spring tour taking in 6 dates and running from 27 February to 17 April.
Inspired by the book Novacene by James Lovelock, an independent scientist, environmentalist and futurist, the piece (Into the Novacene) was created and developed two years ago by Jack Philp.
Setting the scene about the work, Giulia explains:
“Jack is particularly interested in research and digital technologies. For this specific piece, he wanted to work on the co-existence between nature, humanity, and digital technology. The piece plays upon a sense of community and explores a futuristic conception of the world. Our work landed on the exploration of curiosity and togetherness through movement, improvisation and precision as a collective.”
Describing her overall experience of the placement, Giulia says:
“I found this placement so helpful and useful for many different reasons. It was an opportunity to work and learn from professionals in the dance industry. Having the chance to take classes and rehearse with people who have different ways of working is inspiring, especially learning what can be improved and understanding how I can contribute. As a result, I am more open, and this has helped me to develop as a human and as an artist. I am so grateful for this experience; it has been a nourishing journey, where everything has been an opportunity to learn, to be curious and explore myself. I also love to travel so really enjoyed discovering new places in the UK whilst on tour.”
Reflecting on specific elements of the placement, Giulia says:
“My favourite component of this placement was working with the other artists involved. It was wonderful to build a sense of togetherness which was essential for the piece. The work is made mainly with no counts and the improvisation practice is central which meant we truly had to rely on and trust each other with what was happening in the scene. Every performance resulted in a different outcome and this is what really fascinated me. It depended on us, our artistic and creative exploration and vision for ‘that specific moment’ in the piece.
Other aspects which I really enjoyed were experiencing the constant dialogue between the artistic and rehearsal director with the dancers, asking what was needed for the day and what was the best to dive into, based on how the body and brain were feeling. Every day was calibrated based on how much energy was required for each specific section.
It was great to know that, as an Apprentice Dancer, they had full trust in me. There was not any kind of hierarchy in the room and everyone was treated with care and respect which I greatly appreciated.
In the beginning, I did find it challenging to calibrate between ‘Northern School life’ and the placement. Focusing on being in a completely different environment, getting to know new people, and still trying to get the best out of myself was not easy. But it is great to have challenges because you’re able to recognise that you can go outside your comfort zone and thrive. In my first week, I had 1:1 feedback with the rehearsal director which really inspired me as she helped me to build more trust in myself and confidence in embodying the material.”
Reflecting on her time with the company as a whole, Giulia says:
“I would definitely recommend a placement; it has helped me better understand how the dance industry works, taken me outside of the education environment and also helped me realise what I want to achieve as an artist. It was also a chance to network with professionals and gain professional experience which has been great for my CV. So yes, I would definitely recommend a placement to anyone who is considering it. It’s hard work but so rewarding.”
