JOB: Professional Dancer, The New Zealand Dance Company

QUALIFICATION: Bachelor of Performing and Screen Arts (Contemporary Dance) 

"Being able to dance everyday as my job is amazing. I love the discipline and how dance challenges me both mentally and physically. I also love the fact that dance can transport me into another world and I can step out of myself for a while. I always knew that I wanted to be a dancer, but I had little knowledge of contemporary dance when I started my degree.

I chose Unitec for the choreography classes and balance between contemporary and ballet training, and the programme prepared me well for life as a professional dancer. It's great being in an environment where you can learn from your peers and your tutors, and to be taught by New Zealand's most prestigious dancers and choreographers was amazing. I remember being quite star struck by the teachers I had written essays on at school!

Becoming a member of the New Zealand Dance Company is one of my greatest achievements. I was incredibly lucky to successfully audition for the company and to gain an internship, apprenticeship and finally a role as a professional dancer."