Ana Fernández Melero

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MA Contemporary Dance Performance (PAS)

Ana is from Sevilla, Spain, and is studying MA Contemporary Dance Performance (Postgraduate Apprentice Scheme – PAS)

Photo: ©Jack Thompson

Why did you decide to study contemporary dance?
I started studying ballet at the Conservatorio Profesional de Danza de Sevilla and in the last years I started to notice that my body was asking for more physical, free and wild movement. So I started using the ballet technique to explore the contemporary movement and go more deeply in to it.

What do you enjoy about training in Leeds at NSCD?
I love the creative and active environment of NSCD, the people here never stop! And I think Leeds is a great city to have a place like this. Leeds is also a really arty and open minded city. Here you can always find live music, interesting performance and awesome artistic people.

What is life as a dance student like?
I would say it’s the best and the worst life ever. It’s the best because you are enjoying the “study”, it’s our passion. But it can be the worst when you have an unmotivated moment or a hard time. And because you are working every day with your body you can’t pretend at all, you need to be 100% with your body and with your brain every day in the studio.

What are the highlights of your time at NSCD so far?
I have been doing my Postgraduate (PAS) with Phoenix Dance Theatre and the time working with the company was just fantastic. I would say the highlight for me was to have the chance to perform with the company, covering an injured dancer. The bow after the first show was the best sensation I have ever felt. But in general every day with the company was a chance to learn something new. Sharing the stage, the studio, the spare time…

What are your career goals?
After this experience I absolutely know that this is the life that I want. Give all of me on the stage and in the studio every day. Feel that amazing pain sensation in my muscles and always achieve new things. And also I have discovered that I really enjoy teaching and sharing my knowledge about dance. Now is the time to fly and keep discovering more about myself.

What advice would you give to people thinking of studying contemporary dance?
Go for it! Stop thinking and make clear decisions. Try to find yourself through your movement and what makes you different from the rest.