Why did you become attracted to dance?
My nan was a huge lover of dance. She was the person who got me interested in dance in the first place. As the first granddaughter in the family, I was whisked off to the local Community Hall for dance class and I instantly fell in love. From then on, my family would be subject to impromptu performances in the front room, and from there, they would drive me up and down the motorway to attend dance classes, competitions and auditions.
So you started very young then?
Yes. Three years old. I would go every Saturday morning to dance classes and I was hooked straight away. There was something about it which, ultimately, made me happy and that is the best reason I can think of to do something.
Side Question – Dance Classes
The dance classes initially were at the Community Hall, so they were commercial dance classes Later when I was at secondary school I would go to a dance classes every day for free.
Did you do anything else?
I did play other sports, trampolining, and gymnastics; I played football and netball, but dance is the one thing that I have stuck with.
Obviously you were supported at home?
I had a lot of support at home. My family footed the bill for my classes when I was younger and for all the travel. They even helped me when I was dancing professionally, taking me to auditions and to work events that I was dancing at. And they supported me through my degree. I could never have done what I am doing today without them. They believed in me and my passion for dance and I will be forever grateful.
I did believe, even at a young age, that I could make a career out of my dancing, and I believe that was because of the support around me. I had teachers at secondary school who supported me heavily, who I worked with every day both in school and after school.
School was very supportive?
Yes, incredibly supportive. There were excellent opportunities given to me; I went to Disneyland, Paris to learn how to become a professional dancer. In sixth form I was taken to dance in Baltimore, America touring different schools throughout the US during that time.
So dance all the way from a very young age till now?
Yes, absolutely. Although, if the teachers at my school had not said they really believed in me and supported me, I don’t know if I would have been able to do it on my own. They really gave me the confidence I needed to thrive.
And what kinds of dance have you learned to do?
I did ballet, modern and acrobatics at my local dance school. I also competed regularly which I loved! The secondary school I went to had really good facilities and was really supportive and so I would perform all across England. They would also have professional artists come in to teach us, again incredibly supportive.
On my BTEC I learned a range of different dance styles from contemporary to modern, Bollywood to bhangra, all different styles of dance, and I really believe you need to learn as many different styles as possible. If you do that, it broadens your horizons and makes you a better dancer all-round.
Side Question – You have al the styles of dance under your belt but how do you describe your own work?
My degree was in contemporary dance and so I would describe myself as a contemporary dancer.
What qualifications did you complete?
After completing my Extended National Diploma in Dance, I did Professional Dance Studies at Liverpool’s John Moores University, I graduated with a BA Honours First Class Honours Degree in Contemporary Dance. The time I spent at Liverpool John Moores was vital for my professional development and my abilities to choreograph work.
Then in 2018, I studied for a master’s in arts management at Queens University specialising in Dance. I graduated with a commendation from Queens.
Where to now for you personally?
I will be continuing to teach dance. That makes me incredibly happy, watching students develop both technically and personally, and build an enthusiasm for dance. That isn’t just a job to me. I love watching students learning from me and being passionate about dance in the way that I am. Sharing my passion every day is a joy.
See more of Molly Rose Street’s work at the following link – www.instagram.com/mollyrosestreetdance/
See Theatre and Dance NI at the following link – theatreanddanceni.org
