HAYLEY WALKER

Hayley Walker was a Dance City CAT Student from 2011 – 2015 graduating at 16 to join the Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance.  During her time on the CAT Hayley worked with artists such as Kate Zamira Mummery, Angus Balbernie and Adam Galbraith.

How did you discover the CAT scheme?

I discovered the CAT scheme through a friend who knew people already on CAT Dance City.

What had been your experience of dance before the CAT scheme?

I had been attending RAD ballet and modern classes at a local dance school in Jesmond, I continued to go to this whilst training at CAT receiving an Advanced 2 ballet qualification.

What has the CAT scheme taught you?

Having no prior experience of contemporary dance before joining CAT, the scheme was fundamental in teaching me the contemporary technique in many styles such as Cunningham, Graham and Release. Over the 4 years I spent at CAT my technique and creativity flourished and I ended up moving in ways I never thought I would be able to. Every class was a joy to attend with such invested teachers focused on pushing you to dance the best you can.

Where has the scheme led you so far?

The scheme led me to audition and be accepted into Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance at the age of 16. When auditioning for Rambert School I received endless support with the audition and solo advice from the teachers on CAT. I studied there for 3 years receiving a First Class BA (hons) Degree. Whilst at Rambert I had the pleasure of working with many established choreographers such as Mark Baldwin, Russel Maliphant, Theo Clinkard, Ashley Page and Arielle Alexander. Upon graduating at 19 years old, I then joined postgraduate dance company ‘Emergence’ led by choreographer Joss Arnott in partnership with the University of Salford to receive a MA. More recently I have embarked on a freelance career, featuring in music videos, short films, TV series, and adverts as both a dancer and a model. I’ve had the opportunity to work with artists and brands like Nina Nesbitt – “Loyal to Me,” Maxine Doyle and Sarah Dowling – “Brave New World,” Balbir Singh – “Weaving the Future,” Reebok AW18, Dune London – “Find Your Dancing Feet,” and RDX Sports. My research and development work includes collaborating with Sisters Grimm for ‘Inala’ and Corey Baker Dance.

What are any of your future aspirations?

I hope to be working more in the commercial contemporary world, such as in TV and film. I also hope to have developed and begun to establish my own practice of choreographing and movement direction. I do hope to still be performing and dancing in dance companies all over Europe.

What advice would you give to a young person who is interested in auditioning?

My advice for anyone auditioning for the CAT is to relax, enjoy yourself and perform. Show the panel who you are as a person also as that is what makes you different from everyone else!

What impact has the financial support of a Department for Education Grant had on your dancing?

The financial support I received from the Department for Education grant was great and really supported my dancing throughout the 4 years at CAT. I’m very thankful for the education grant as it allows many students to have access to the best dance training in their local area.

Finally, is there anything else you would like to add?

I loved my time on the CAT scheme and I definitely wouldn’t be where I am now without it and the brilliant support from the teachers there. I always used to look forward to the classes there as the teachers want to see everyone improve, I would come out of them knowing that I had worked hard!