Meet the graduate: Joseph Dufty

Trained: National College of Dance

Now: member of the National Youth Ballet Company. He is travelling to San Francisco in August to join the San Francisco Ballet School.

What was the main life lesson you learnt during your full-time studies?

When I first commenced training at NCD, it was to get quality male tuition, what I was shocked about was the intensity of the comprehensive training and the level of professionalism of all the teachers. The main point of difference for NCD is the chance to perform original, new and innovative choreography. Through the fulltime studies and especially doing fulltime training during COVID lockdowns I definitely learned perseverance, discipline and determination. I learnt discipline, essential when I didn’t feel like dancing some days, determination, staying motivated when there are times you want to give up and persistence - having the drive to keep going.

Did you learn anything unexpected about yourself?

There were so many lessons I learned about myself but one that sticks in my mind which was unexpected because it’s not about ballet. I learned how strong I can be mentally. Sometimes bad things happen but if you take one day at a time you can get through it especially when you have teachers who know when to push and when to just listen.

Have you seen our Full-Time Studies Guide? It's now on our website here.