Dance for Commerical Performance students at University Centre Weston embraced sustainability in style this year, with the majority of costumes for their annual showcase being sourced from local charity shops. After campaigning for a more eco-friendly approach, staff and students were able to shop for second-hand pieces, creating a positive impact for sustainability.
Around 80% of the costumes used in the showcase came from charity shops, with the remaining 20% made up of students’ own clothing. The approach helped reduce waste and encourage reuse within the fashion and Dance for Commercial Performance industries. This also gave students the opportunity to develop their creativity by styling unique and affordable outfits.
Using charity shops allowed students to experiment with different looks while working within a budget, helping them gain valuable experience in costume sourcing and sustainable practice. It also highlighted how small changes can make a meaningful difference when creating productions and events.
This proved that sustainability and creativity can work hand in hand, with students producing impressive costumes while supporting local charities and reducing environmental impact at the same time.
This sustainable choice forms part of the Performance and Production Careers Excellence Hub. University Centre Weston’s Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners’ careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys.
Did you know? UCW turns ten years old this year! We are proud to empower our students to achieve success in their future careers! Thousands of our students have gone on to get fascinating and varied jobs across a wide range of industries and disciplines.
Find out more about Dance for Commercial Performance at UCW by clicking here!

