Tom Taylor’s journey at University Centre Weston is a testament to dedication, perseverance, and advocacy for his peers. Studying BA (Hons) Dance for Commercial Performance, Tom has not only excelled in his training but has also taken on the responsibility of representing his fellow students, ensuring their voices are heard. His willingness to address challenging topics and stand up for his classmates has earned him a well-deserved nomination for Student Representative of the Year.
Tom was drawn to UCW by the energy and passion of the lecturers during his audition, as well as the course’s unique variety of dance styles. Tom had not formally studied dance before joining the programme, making his rapid progress and commitment to improvement even more impressive. “A huge challenge for me has been that I didn’t do dance before coming to uni. Working from the ground up has been tricky, but I make the most of every lesson. I feel like I’m on the up.”
Throughout his time at UCW, Tom has embraced every opportunity to grow as a performer. He highlights the chance to dance on the Move It main stage and in the annual showcase as key moments in his journey. “Performing at Move It and sharing those experiences with fellow students and lecturers has been amazing”, he says. He has also gained valuable experience in dance for camera, professionally filming showcase routines and working on external projects recommended by his tutors.
Tom’s role as a student representative has been driven by a strong sense of fairness and responsibility. “I feel it’s important that everyone gets an opportunity to have their opinions shared, and I try to keep that as fair as possible”, he explains. His commitment to ensuring open communication has made a significant impact on his peers.
Looking ahead, Tom is focused on his training, knowing that the nature of the dance industry makes it difficult to predict future opportunities. His ultimate goal is to perform professionally, working with musicians and artists to support them on stage. “I enjoy performing and want to do it as much as possible”, he says.
For those considering studying at UCW, Tom has nothing but praise. “This course tailors everything for everyone. I’ve had great experiences and great training being in Weston.”
If you want to study Dance for Commercial Performance at UCW, click here to find out more!