Samantha Baird

A dance student from Hamilton is the star of a new marketing campaign for New College Lanarkshire.

Samantha Baird was chosen to feature on the cover of the new 2019/20 course guide as part of a recruitment drive.

The 19-year-old, who studies HND Professional Dance Performance at the Coatbridge campus, made the decision to switch from a childcare course at another college to focus on making dance her full-time career.

Samantha said: “Dance was always my passion, but I liked the thought of working with children from a young age too.

“However, a conversation with one of my PE teachers at school made me realise I could follow my dreams.

“Since being a student here I have improved physical flexibility and have gained skills in different dance genres that are new to me.

“I was more classically trained, for example in ballet, tap and modern, so when I came to the college I was introduced to contemporary and commercial dance which I had never tried before.

“Qualification aside, the course is helping to boost my confidence and give me the skills I need to pursue a career within the dance industry.”

In addition to regularly helping out at local dance schools, Samantha took part in a large-scale outdoor dance performance called Kadamati that was staged at the Palace of Holyroodhouse as part of last year’s Edinburgh International Festival.

Having successfully completed an HNC Professional Dance Performance last year, she has enjoyed performing with her peers in the campus auditorium for audiences of up to 250 people and in the venue’s studio space.

Samantha added: “The two theatres give us a taste of performing in front of different audiences – the lighting and sound are fabulous and really add to the atmosphere of the performances.

“There are lots of routes to go down in my chosen career, including becoming a choreographer, performer or teacher in the dance industry.

“At the minute I am looking into furthering my education by applying for degree courses in dance as I feel I could benefit a lot from these.”

The college’s new 2019/2020 Course Guide is now available to pick up from the receptions of New College Lanarkshire campuses in Coatbridge, Cumbernauld, Hamilton, Kirkintilloch and Motherwell.

For more information, go online to www.nclanarkshire.ac.uk or call 0300 555 8080.

The course helps to boost my confidence and give me skills I need to pursue a career in dance