Talented dancer Susy Slater studied Level 3 Performing Arts (Musical Theatre) at Middlesbrough College in 2009. 10 years later and she is thriving as a self-employed dance and fitness teacher with a string of successful businesses and thanks Middlesbrough College for helping to get her there.
As an avid lover of musical theatre and dancing, Susy always knew that she wanted to pursue a career in performing arts and decided to enrol onto the Level 3 Performing Arts (Musical Theatre) course at Middlesbrough College.
Susy said “My course at Middlesbrough College allowed me to immerse myself in musical theatre and performing. You really do live in a little bubble of performing arts. There are lots of opportunities to perform with at least 4 professional standard shows every year.
“My skills really developed at College and I left as confident performer, so if you love theatre and you are keen to improve your performance skills then the course at Middlesbrough College is ideal for you.”
After completing her Level 3 Performing Arts (Musical Theatre) programme at the College, Susy enrolled onto a BA (Hons) Dance programme and also completed a PGCE. After working for 4 years in education Susy took a leap of faith, quit her job and started her own business as a freelance dance and fitness teacher.
Susy said “In my Level 3 course at College I did a business module that gave me a good grounding in fundamental business skills such as budgeting, costs, business planning and theatre in education. Everything I learnt at College has been essential for me when I decided to become self-employed”
Susy now manages the Saltburn Spotlight Performing Arts School after being a student there herself since she was a child. This role involves directing, choreographing and producing 2 shows per year, as well as delivering fun lessons for the students. She has also recently been offered to take over the ownership of another Saltburn based theatre school Adlib; here she will provide dance classes to children aged between 5-18 years old.
In addition to managing and running theatre schools, Susy works as a freelance street dance teacher at a variety of local dance schools including Red Shoes Dance School in Stokesley, Harlequin Dance School in Stockton-On-Tees and Full Swing Dance School in Middlesbrough.
As well as balancing a range of dance teaching jobs, Susy is also a Pound Pro and runs and delivers Pound Workouts-a unique music based fitness session.
Susy said “I am so busy but I absolutely love it! I have honestly never been happier.
“My advice to anyone aspiring to work for themselves would be to go for it! It is the best thing I have ever done. “
To find out more about the Performing Arts courses at Middlesbrough College, take a look and apply here.
If you are interested in Susy’s dance and fitness classes, like her Facebook page here.