Meet Zoe Jameson

Did your original career aim change from when you started your studies to when you graduated?

I came into the program at NCD wanting to pursue a professional career in contemporary dance. When I graduated, my passion and desire was just as strong. I was also closer to the place I wanted to be, having secured offers from various institutions internationally recognised for their post-graduate education in contemporary dance. I accepted an offer from Arts Umbrella and could not be happier.

How did you cope physically with the demands of the workload?

The transition from part-time to full-time dance was initially very physically challenging. Conditioning your body to be able to meet the demands of a six day week, working from 8am to 3pm, is complex. My teachers at the were aware of the strenuous workload and crafted a schedule for our benefit.

We began each day with an in-depth warm up class that taught us the fundamentals of correctly warming up, injury prevention and preparing the body and mind for a full day of dance. Strength, conditioning and other somatic practices were also incorporated into our days. This included PBT (progressive ballet technique), Yin Yoga, Alexander Technique with ballet master Timothy Gordon and the occasional cool down or stretch class to end our long days. The teachers are also consistently adapting each class to fit the arc of the year, working towards shows and taking into account the dancers’ physical state.

See her video: @_dance_australia

@zoejamesonn

@nationalcollegeofdance

Zoe is one of many talented graduates featured in our Full-Time Studies Guide in the current July/Aug/Sep issue. Buy your copy from your favourite retailer or subscribe or buy online here. Print is for keeps!