Since joining at the age of four, Welland has instilled in me an absolute passion for dance that has fundamentally shaped the course of my life.
After completing my RAD Advanced 1 ballet and ISTD Advanced 2 modern and tap exams and performing with the English Youth Ballet and Cresset pantomime, I took my love of dance to Cambridge University, where I was President of the Ballet Club and a student ambassador for the Royal Opera House. This enabled me to join the international arts and entertainment marketing agency AKA, where I coordinate the marketing strategy of such prestigious clients as the Royal Opera House, the National Gallery and Motown the Musical. Here, I have the honour of running photoshoots with Royal Ballet dancers, interviewing performers such as Damian Lewis and members of The Jackson 5, designing the Royal Opera House’s brochures, coordinating press and outdoor advertising and so on.
Not only is dance integrated into my career, but I also continue to dance and perform regularly. I am a member of the amateur ballet company Chelsea Ballet, with whom I perform a full length ballet with the original choreography each year, and also at care homes and outreach events. Through my regular classes at Pineapple, I am a member of the professional ‘Catsuit-a-go-go’ company, where we perform at 1960s and vintage events, most recently the Goodwood Revival Festival and in Trafalgar Square with Big Dance.
Being a part of Welland for 20 years has massively enriched my life, and I will be forever grateful for the confidence, dedication and strong work ethic it gave me, plus the incredible experiences it gave – and continues to give – me.
Kizzie Burkett