Matilda Smith

My training at Saldance is one of the highlights of my childhood. The time I spent there (aged 3-19) was always happy with Nic, Kym and Rhoda taking exquisite care of us, both as young people and young dancers.

Due to Saldance’s nurturing environment and ‘strive for best’ attitude, I was able to gain scholarships to summer schools such as the British Youth Music Theatre before I had left school. Once again, Saldance came through with helping me prepare for auditions and gain places at Bird College, Trinity Laban and University of Leeds.

I now study BA(Hons) Theatre and Performance at Leeds, and have specialised into performance and choreography, choreographing full scale musicals both for my course and societies, as well as gaining a place on the successful university dance competition team for two years and competing at national championship level. Now, moving into third year I am gaining more professional work in theatre and TV.

Without the help of my Saldance family this may never have been possible, I can’t wait to see what the future holds knowing that I will have the support of my teachers and lifelong friends the whole way!