Sarah Hadfield-Abosch is a class of 2022 Leeds School of Arts graduate. Here, she shares her experience of studying Dance at Leeds Beckett. 

Course: BA (Hons) Dance

Why did you choose to study Dance at Leeds Beckett?

I wasn’t too bothered if the university was local or not as I had auditions at quite a few different universities. Leeds Beckett just stood out. Dance can be quite brutal at times but Leeds Beckett seemed genuine, the lecturers were very caring in the audition and the audition itself was a lot of fun, which is probably what swayed my decision. 

What support did you receive whilst at university? 

I received a lot of support while being at Leeds Beckett. The tutors have been amazing, my course is quite a small course so we’re all quite close to the tutors and their support has been amazing. Whenever I’ve needed them, they’ve always been just an email away. 

What was your favourite part of the course? 

So, we had a technique class every day, five days a week, since first year. We got to meet pretty much every lecturer on the course as they vary by semester. We’ve also just had our Lift-Off Festival too where we create a big 20-minute piece each, which is really fun because you get a lot of freedom to do whatever you want to do!

Were there any challenges you overcame during university? 

Covid was a big challenge for me. So my first year was smooth sailing, I was loving it, then in the second semester of my first year, Covid hit. It was challenging to work online; especially for dance, as we all had different situations at home and mine was a very practical course. But I overcame that by remembering that everyone on the course is in the same boat, and with the support of my lecturers who still wanted the best for us. The lecturers always did their best to continue to guide us in the right direction. 

Since I’ve been back on-campus there’s been a little extra drive inside, I knew that I had to make the most of it and not take the new building for granted.

What advice would you give someone thinking of studying your course?

Consider the atmosphere a uni gives off in the audition because that says a lot about what it’s going to be like when you’re there.

What’s next for you? 

I’m currently self-employed doing a bit of freelance teaching, and I’m hoping in the future to do a Master’s – probably at Leeds Beckett as well!