Student dances her way to the top

Natasha Watson, a Dance student studying a Northumbria University completion award at Ballet West in Taynuilt, Scotland, has become the only UK finalist to compete in Prix de Lausanne, the most prestigious international competition for emerging ballet dancers. The BA Hons Dance programme at Ballet West is a three-year programme designed to prepare students for a career in the performance and choreography of ballet. The first two years of the programme are part of a Higher National Diploma in Dance Performance and Northumbria validates the final year completion award. Natasha will be one of 39 girls following in the footsteps of previous winners Darcey Bussell and Carlos Acosta when she attends the competition hosted in Switzerland this February.

Natasha, who is due to graduate this year, has previously danced with the Scottish Ballet on their 2014 tour of Hansel and Gretel and became a bronze medallist at the 2013 Genee International Ballet Competition. She has also had an award-winning start to her acting career, appearing in TV drama Single Father alongside actor David Tennant, which saw her named ‘Best New Scottish Actress’ and has also appeared in CBBC series M.I. High “I am looking forward to dancing in the competition – I am certain that it will be a tremendous learning experience,” said Natasha. “I feel privileged to have been given this opportunity and am grateful to all those who have supported me from Ballet West and Northumbria University.”

She added: “I’m enjoying the final year of my degree and continue to learn a great deal through academic study and in the dance studio, developing both technically and artistically. Studying a subject that I am truly passionate about is a wonderful experience.”

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Shining a light through the night

Law student, Rebecca Brooks, has been named Volunteer of the Year at the annual Nightline awards ceremony, which celebrates the work of Nightline volunteers around the country.

Rebecca’s hard work and dedication to the confidential listening service was rewarded at the awards after she was nominated along with other volunteers from Nightline services across England, Scotland and Wales.

Nightline is a confidential listening service at Northumbria Students’ Union, ran by students for students. Fully trained volunteers are there to talk to students, whatever their problem or issue may be, and it is open throughout the night, all week during term time.

Between juggling her dissertation and working in the prestigious Student Law Office at Northumbria, Rebecca was appointed committee coordinator for the Nightline service at Northumbria Students’ Union. Having previously volunteered as the rota secretary, Rebecca has been heavily involved in running the service, organising phone shifts to ensure that all students who called the service in a time of need, were answered and listened to.

Rebecca was nominated for her hard work and innovative schemes involving the service, as well as solely organising an awards ceremony, congratulating all Nightline volunteers at Northumbria for their work.

Rebecca said: “I believe that it is very important that students get involved in extracurricular activities, in a time where a degree is no longer enough for employers.

“I’ve really enjoyed volunteering for the Nightline service and would urge students to make the most of their time at university and get involved with organisations and societies here. I’m having so much fun, whilst also ensuring I’m getting the best start towards my career in the future.”