Dance students take a bite out of the Big Apple

30 dance students from Glasgow Clyde College experienced the trip of a lifetime to one of the world’s leading dance capitals, New York City.

HND Dance Artists and NQ Dance students were exposed to different genres of dance and were put through their paces as they attended classes at the famous Broadway Dance Center, where styles ranged from ballet and contemporary fusion to jazz funk. On their final day students joined a 90-minute contemporary workshop of technique and choreography at the renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

The five-day trip was packed with activities and excursions which enabled the students to enjoy the full NYC experience, including a night time tour of Manhattan, a backstage tour of Radio City Music Hall and a visit to the Broadway production of Kinky Boots.

Glauco Di Lieto, Dance Lecturer at Glasgow Clyde College, said: “The trip to New York gave students the opportunity to access a wide variety of classes in a city which has a really vibrant dance culture. New York is such an iconic dance destination and exposure to its diverse influences provided an inspirational boost to our regular curriculum. It was an unforgettable experience for everyone who went.”

Iain Aitken, a HND Dance student from East Kilbride, said: “The trip to New York was a wonderful experience. The classes at Broadway Dance Center and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater were challenging but a great opportunity. The sightseeing excursions allowed me to learn a lot about the history of the city and I saw so many fantastic buildings.

“It’s definitely inspired me to think about what I want to achieve in the profession. Dancing on Broadway would be my ultimate dream.”

Glasgow Clyde College’s dance courses are taught at the award-winning Dance Studio Scotland, a purpose-built facility located within its Anniesland campus. Equipped with three large studios and a multi-gym, it offers a thorough and disciplined four year professional training which prepares students for a variety of careers in the dance industry. The courses at Glasgow Clyde College provide practical and theoretical study, taught by an international teaching faculty that have extensive experience in performing, teaching and choreography.