elevate Graduates

Apprentices are drawn from all over the world. In past years, successful applicants have come from as far as South Africa, Singapore, America, Austria, Germany, France, Holland, Ireland, and from as close to home as London.

As a result of their experience on the course, graduates from the Apprenticeship Scheme are now enjoying successful and dynamic careers or undertaking further study. A selection of these destinations is given below:

Melanie Mockler (2002)

From Manchester, age 24

Mel became the Schools and Youth worker for St Ann’s Church, Tottenham, having been spotted on the Apprenticeship Tour. She teaches dance in primary schools, running youth groups and Sunday school, assisting at Guides and leading worship.

Su Ann Woo (2002)

From Singapore, age 27

Su Ann is now on the staff team of UCCF, South West team.

Lucy Crook (2003)

From Hull, age 28

Lucy, already an experienced professional dancer before commencing the Apprenticeship, is now teaching dance in Dubai.

Rachel Goepel (2003)

From Sheffield, age 19

Rachel studied for a degree in Physiotherapy at the University of Northumbria. On completion of the Apprenticeship, she was invited to perform and teach with Reality Dance Company at a Christian festival in Germany, along with three other graduates from the Apprenticeship.

Laura Scott (2003)

From Staffordshire, age 23

Laura is the dance tutor at Ingestre Arts - the country’s only residential arts centre based at Ingestre Hall in Staffordshire. She was awarded a grant from the Arts Council to create and perform a professional piece to open the New Vibes 07 dance festival at the Birmingham Hippodrome. The piece was based on a research and development trip to Thailand and incorporated live dance-music and visual projection.

Sarah Farrow (2003, Part One)

From East Cowes, Isle of Wight, age 17

Sarah is now studying Dance at the University of Surrey in Guildford.

Jo Littledyke (2003, Part One)

From Watford, Hertfordshire, age 22

Having successfully auditioned for Spring Harvest, Jo regularly dances at this Christian festival in Minehead.

Anita Wadsworth (2003–04)

From London, UK, age 25

Anita is now Lecturer in Dance Education at the Royal Academy of Dance, and is also Director of Esther’s Journey Dance Company.

Candace Craig-Hardie (2003–04)

From New Mexico, USA

Candace is now the Intern Director for Cor Ignis Contemporary Dance Company, which is based in El Paso, Texas with an ongoing outreach to children in Juarez, Mexico.

Mary Sanderson (2004, Part One)

From Guildford, UK, age 18

Mary went to India with Tear Fund for the remainder of her gap year, where she worked at Hebron School teaching dance.

Caroline Bailey (2005, Part One)

From Orpington, UK, age 35

Caroline was sponsored by Spinnaker Trust and Christ Church Orpington to complete her Apprenticeship and is now using her dance in primary schools to deliver Christian education in schools and to foster links between schools and churches. She is also developing the use of dance in worship in conjunction with others in churches in Orpington, and continuing to develop the use of dance for all ages at Christ Church Orpington.

Sally Meseg (2005, Part One)

From Devon, UK, age 25

Since taking the decision to change careers, and completing Part One, Sally has successfully auditioned for a place on the Professional Diploma in Dance at Laban.

Donna Craig (2005–06)

From Northern Ireland, UK, age 23

Donna manages and delivers education projects for the Royal Academy of Dance, Artis and Shobana Jeyasingh, whilst also freelancing for churches, schools and festivals.

Helen Sollis (2005–06)

From Bristol, UK, age 23

Helen works as an independent dance practitioner, delivering workshops in a number of community, education and church settings including the Royal Academy of Dance’s ‘Step into Dance’ project, and All Souls Clubhouse. Helen is also Apprenticeship Co-ordinator and Finance & Governance Officer for Springs.

Emily Sutton (2007–08)

From Emsworth, UK, age 18

Emily successfully auditioned for the BA (Hons) at Laban whilst on the Apprenticeship Scheme. Emily became a company member with Springs Dance Company in September 2010.

Jessica Stansfield (2007–08)

From Missouri, USA, age 22

Jessica successfully auditioned for the MA Choreography at Laban whilst on the Apprenticeship Scheme.

Anna Henry (foundation 2009)

From Guildford, age 23

Having completed the foundation course, Anna is now an independent dance artist teaching as uC Grace. She is working alongside Guildford diocese and the local sports partnership, offering workshops to schools and churches in Guildford and surrounding areas.

Lorna McClellan (2009–10)

From Essex, age 22

Lorna previously trained as an artistic gymnast from the age of three competing at County, Regional and National level. She then went on to study Dance at Roehampton University. During her apprenticeship with Springs Dance Company she travelled to Houston, Texas on an exchange to train with Ad Deum Dance Company, and she was also part of the steering committee for Launch, shaping this professional development conference organised by Dance UK and The Place, for those beginning their dance careers. Lorna has taught dance in both the UK and Europe and intends to work within the community in the future using her training and skills in dance to help advantage others.