Performing Arts students

 

Emma Wolstenholme - Dance student

"I’m studying BTEC Dance at ASFC, which has really helped me improve technically and creatively via a range of technical classes, shows and workshops, I am encouraged to embrace all opportunities. I also dance outside of college at the Centre for Advanced Training in Contemporary Dance at the Lowry, where work with incredible artists and performing on the Lowry stage. My confidence in dance and life has improved so much due to the combined training I am experiening.  I am applying to contemporary conservatoires : NSCD, LSCD and Trinity Laban. 

Dance at college has also helped me improve and try out many new styles in depth and be aspirational, giving me confidence to apply to study dance at undergraduate level and pursue a performance career." 

 

 

Kristian Darby - Dance student

"ASFC Dance is providing me with quality technical training in Contemporary, Jazz and Street Dance. In addition to these classes, I have taken part in professional workshops in Bollywood and Vogue. I am encouraged to embrace all dance opportunities and aim high. I also train with the Centre of Advanced Training in Dance (CAT) at The Lowry and at the Ashton School of Dancing completing ISTD Dance Styles and grades in Ballet, Tap, Contemporary and Jazz. I am enjoying my rich programme of training and applying to a range of conservatoires, schools and universities to purse dance as a career." 

 

 

Sienna Smith - Dance student

"Since starting dance at college my confidence has improved and I have developed and open attitude to learning and enjoy trying different styles to challenge my skill set. The class works as a company with strong teamwork skills, and I have met and gelled with different people. I am also developing independent skills by doing solo work. Dance at college focuses on improving my technical and performance abilities to make me a stronger dancer and able to pick up choreography quickly. I am also supported with my dance school practice. I have been dancing at Anne Finnegan Theatre School since I was 3 and will be performing Saturday 19^th at Wythenshawe Forum."

 

 

Amelia Blow - Dance student

"Since studying dance at ASFC my technique, knowledge and creativity in a range of dance styles has improved massively through the in-depth researching and practical work we do for each. Before starting at Ashton, I had prior experience with styles such as contemporary, tap and ballet however, since training at Ashton I have been encouraged to work in other styles such as jazz and street. The dance community is an amazing group to be a part of as we all support and encourage each other. I have met and worked with so many talented people through workshops, work experience and projects we are lucky to have the opportunity to be a part of. My teamwork and independence has developed through partaking in group and solo tasks which has pushed me out of my comfort zone, especially in styles I am less confident with. I am looking to continue my dance career by opening my own dance school using all of the information and skills I have gained over my 2 years at Ashton to help me pursue this."

 

 

Fawn Saxon - Drama & Theatre Studies and Music Performance student

"While studying Drama at ASFC, I’ve had so many opportunities which have enabled me to immerse myself in the performing arts industry, from learning about different genres of theatre, to watching plenty of shows and doing our own performances! Up to now I have already performed in almost 10 shows, and each one is always a new experience.

With such helpful teachers and technicians, I have learned not only about performance but behind the scenes too (including using my BTEC music knowledge in collaboration) which I wouldn’t have been able to do without such an accepting and accommodating team of staff.

At first, I thought taking two performing arts subjects would be daunting, especially as I didn’t take drama at GCSE - but I was so wrong! While studying both subjects I have learned so much, while being able to practically explore all my new and previous knowledge to a professional standard - there is always something going on in the theatre, and always something to be involved with!

I’m so grateful to be working with such an amazing team of professionals, and I can’t wait to learn more over the next year!"

 

 

Freya Foldesi - Music Performance student

"Since studying on the Music Performance course at ASFC I have developed many key skills, such as working with new people and learning the importance of teamwork, gaining confidence and awareness of others, but most importantly improving my own playing style! I came to Ashton having only been playing bass guitar for 1 year, I only knew a few people and I was in a small band – whereas now I am in a full band with some of my most talented friends and we do gigs often. On top of this, the college band (Aura Band) allowed me to play in different settings, one being the awards evening!

Through working with newer people and learning diverse skills, I can happily say I have learnt a lot. All these new skills have been learnt from music at ASFC. The course consists of many elements, these range from composition to performance, my personal favourite being the ensemble performance! As a bassist I love being on stage and highlighting my skills while also developing my confidence. And I feel like I can do this at Ashton!

Prior to starting music at ASFC, I primarily worked in Rock and Indie styles of music, but since starting college I have learnt how to play genres such as Funk and Jazz! Both of which require a whole new array of techniques which I am glad to have started to learn. I am surrounded by talented musicians and lovely people on the Music Performance course, all of which have helped me to learn more about the music industry, I have been challenged and enjoyed everything while doing so.

Throughout my 2 years I hope to open more opportunities in the music industry, by meeting new people, improving my communication skills and learning new techniques. I someday aspire to become a professional musician and performer, and I am looking forward to seeing where music at Ashton will take me."

 

 

Isaac Quinn - Drama & Theatre studies

"Studying Drama at Ashton has helped me improve my range of acting styles and garner an improved and in-depth knowledge of how theatre works, something which comes in handy when both acting and evaluating theatre. Before I started at Ashton, I was part of Mossley’s amateur operatic and dramatics society, where I and the other members would devise our own performances and learn about practitioners such as Artaud.

A good thing about the course is that you don’t need any of this knowledge before starting as the staff are lovely and teach everything from the ground up, which puts everyone on the same level. They also give out as many learning resources as humanly possible, allowing anyone to reach an A* if they put the work in. Following formal assessments, feedback is personalized allowing you to see where you can improve to the best of your ability and the teachers also run support sessions for those who ask for them."

 

 

Esther Lunt - Music Technology student

"Since studying Music Technology at ASFC I have found that my skills and knowledge in using software such as Logic Pro and using the Live Room and the Studio has massively developed and improved. Through the verbal feedback and reflections, I receive from my teacher I can correct my work and make sure that the work I do submit will reach high marks. The Music Technology classroom is a very welcoming environment, all the students are open to working together (in and out of the studio/live room) and are also very open to asking for constructive criticism from other peers and the teacher.

Before I started Studying Music Technology at ASFC I had prior knowledge on live sound engineering, however, I had very little knowledge on how to use the Live Room or software like Logic Pro. My teacher has been extremely patient and helpful with guiding me and giving me walk-throughs on how the Live Room operates and how to use Logic Pro to my advantage. ASFC has given me many opportunities to explore my interest in live sound engineering, I am currently working with Lung-Wei doing rehearsals with a band made up of A1 students.

Working with Lung-Wei has given me experience in working in a live sound environment and has improved my skills in sound engineering. I’m both my teamwork and independent work I have seen a massive improvement throughout my time at ASFC and I am greatly looking forward to continuing my studies in sound engineering."