Dance Society: Freshers' Representative

In case you don’t know me, my name is Atticus Tiplady, and I’m running to be your 2025/26 UCL Dance SOC Freshers Rep. 
I have been pursuing dance for nine years now, ever since I first saw my brother perform a dance to a club remix of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles theme song. I still remember walking into that studio for the first time, immediately feeling intimidated and yet, I stayed. 
There were moments I felt out of place, but something about the beat, the squeak of Converse shoes sliding against the floor, and the small glimpses of belonging kept me coming back. Over time, hip-hop and breakdance have evolved into more than just movements; they have become a means of finding confidence, self-expression, and community.
Since then, I have continued to develop leadership and teamwork skills through my experience as an Outdoor Education Leader for two years, Head Peer Tutor in Grade 12, and by assisting a hip-hop class for six years. All these roles have taught me to listen, ensure everyone feels supported, and learn effective communication, all skills I will bring when representing fresher’s voices in weekly meetings and society events. 
As Freshers Rep, I want to ensure that every new dancer feels that same sense of belonging that I felt nine years ago, whether that be through helping run, supporting the production team, or organizing more social opportunities to connect members in the dance SOC.
Thank you for your time, and I look forward to dancing alongside you all soon!

Despite having only spent about two months in uni, UCL Dance society has already given me several great opportunities to learn, perform, and compete once again. Having always been on the dancer/choreographer side of things, I understand the challenges and dedication it takes to create a successful performance, yet I’m aware that from our perspective, we only see the final product. I believe that this role will provide the perfect opportunity for me to get an insight as to the behind-the-scenes and effort that goes into producing a show. More importantly, I will also get the chance to represent all the freshers, voice any concerns or suggestions they may have, bridging the gap between freshers and the committee.

If chosen, I will actively communicate with other freshers, express their opinions to the committee, contribute ideas and help with show productions and carry out my responsibilities to the best of my ability. Thank you!

⁃ Giverny 

I am applying for this position because I believe that it is an amazing opportunity to be able to learn from the current members how to produce and to explore my passion in dance deeper. As an active member myself, I can truly feel the sense of community that dance brings us and I'd love to help other freshers feel welcomed and inspired to get involved in all the opportunities DanceSoc has to offer. 

Throughout high school, I have been fortunate enough to lead multiple events where I was able to build my teamwork, organization and communication skills. I was Head of Singing and Dancing Division at my schools annal cup where I led my team to organize competitions, arranged schedules and coordinated with other teams. Despite some hiccups that came along the way, I was able to keep everything running smoothly under pressure. 

Additionally, I was also part of the Dance Committee for my school's yearly play, where I worked with two others to choreograph 5 dances. I also worked closely with the directors, producers and other core team which gave me first hand experience in show production and behind the scenes coordination. 

Despite all this, I believe that there is still room to grow and improve and I am especially excited to learn from other committee members about what goes into producing large-scale shows. I'm eager to bring the same dedication and enthusiasm that I had before to the DanceSoc and I am genuinely excited to contribute to the society that I enjoy being part of. 

As a competitive dancer for over eight years, dance has always been a huge part of my life. As a Freshers’ Representative for UCL Dance Society, I hope to help others experience the same passion I have for the vibrancy, joy, and inclusivity that dance creates. As a fresher, I understand how exciting yet overwhelming joining a large university and society is. I’d love to help bridge that gap, aiding the transition into university life while helping new members balance both their academics and involvement in societies. 

I’m enthusiastic about encouraging students to get involved in classes, socials, and performances, regardless of experience. I want everyone to feel confident stepping into the studio and to know that their voices and ideas matter in shaping the society’s activities. I’m organised, approachable, and eager to gather feedback from freshers, communicate their ideas to the committee, and help coordinate events that bring people together through dance.

Ultimately, I want to help nurture a community where dance isn’t just about technique, but about connection, creativity, and finding joy beyond the stresses of university life. I hope to facilitate and encourage people to try new dance styles as well as introduce different styles of dance that people otherwise wouldn't have the chance to learn or become immersed in. Being Freshers’ Representative would allow me to combine my passion for dance with my desire to make people feel welcomed, supported, and inspired at UCL.

I used to dance a lot when i was younger and only recently got back into it, so i understand how scary it can be to come back into a space where your always second guessing yourself. as a  fresher representative i would try my best to help make dance soc a welcoming space for everyone even those just trying to build their confidence back up during dance and develop their skill level. 

I’m standing for Freshers’ Representative because I genuinely want to help build an even more welcoming, energetic, and inclusive community within Dance Society. As someone who’s always found dance to be a space for expression, confidence, and connection, and as someone who stand with all of us in the same fresher position, I’d love to make sure every fresher — whether a complete beginner or an experienced dancer — feels this strong sense of belonging.

Since joining UCL, Dance Society has already become one of my favourite parts of university life. I’ve seen how much effort goes into classes, showcases and socials, and I’d love to contribute to that by helping organise events, supporting communication between the committee and freshers, and encouraging more people to get involved. I enjoy working collaboratively, have strong organisational and communication skills developed through multiple previous group presentations and projects, and always try my best to bring enthusiasm and creativity to group projects — qualities I believe would make me a supportive and reliable rep.

Most importantly, I want to help make everyone’s first year in Dance Soc as memorable as mine will be and has been so far — full of new friends, opportunities, and confidence both on and off the dance floor.

• to encourage people ( especially if they are new )  to try out and get more involved in performances and club activities
• to help everyone find their people, place and confidence within the community regardless of skill or experience
• to take this as a  great learning opportunity
• to just have fun!

I am writing to apply for Dance Society’s Freshers’ Representative. Dance has played a massive role in my life, and I want to contribute to UCL Dance Society being a formative experience in new students’ university chapters.

As Dance Captain at my high school, I developed strong communication, organisation and teamwork skills and can be relied upon for anything. For example, when coaching younger students for our annual dance shows, I maintained an organised schedule, supporting the coaches and my peers in their preparation, all while creating a positive and encouraging environment where dancers can excel in their skill and enjoy themselves. This was also acknowledged in me being awarded the Spirit of Sports Award.

As Freshers’ Representative, I will bring this same enthusiasm and leadership to help dancers feel welcome, motivated and excited to be part of the Dance Society. I am sociable and outgoing, ready to chat with dancers about any questions they may have or issues they may want to confide in me with. I place significant emphasis on supporting those around me and want to help build a community where freshers can settle in smoothly. Further, I want to continue to expand UCL Dance Society’s welcoming and inclusive environment to new students; from absolute beginners s to people who have trained for their whole lives, to ensure that every dancer has a place to express themselves, make friends and feel part of the supportive and fun community that is UCL Dance Society.

Dancing has been a huge part of my uni journey so far just as it has been in my life – I’ve been lucky enough to be in the 24hr show, freshers show, & now comps! I have enjoyed meeting so many new people within the society: freshers were always easy to talk to and old members always made sure I felt welcomed – this community & sport brings me so much joy and I would love to be able to help out & give back!

If you don’t know me, hi, I am Chloe and I do econ! If we’ve crossed paths.. you would know that I am quite a cheerful & friendly person, bit talkative too. Having said that, I am known to be a good listener amongst my friends, and I would love to have the opportunity to serve that purpose within the society. 

I’ve had similar leadership roles in the past, like being on the committee for my competitive house in high school. I’ve enjoyed working in a team, and I believe I would be able to take up responsibilities & stay organised whilst managing my time & workload. 

I am confident that I would be a good fit to be your freshers rep & I hope for the chance to contribute to such a supportive community!

Hi! My name is Mayowa and I am a first year Sport and Exercise Medical Sciences Student. While the common story for most dancers is that they started dancing very young, I have only started dancing 4 years ago when I was 14. I remember vividly, I spent the whole of my first contemporary class holding back tears. It was extremely tough but something within me had the strong desire to keep going, and I am so glad I did. Dance has been something that has completely changed my life. It is something that I fall back on whenever I am going through a tough time, and something that I do when I am feeling super creative and just want to see how my body can move. Dance for me is something that tells a story, something that can move mountains without uttering a single word. Being Fresher's rep means that I will promote getting involved in anything Dance Soc, whether it is just taking a one hour jazz class once a week or taking part in one of the dance shows. I want to let everyone know that dance is for everyone and you do not have to be the most experienced or most technical dancer ever, you just have to be willing, and I am the perfect example of that. When it comes to organising events, I am a super meticulous person and when my passion meets organisation, I will be very efficient and get the job done. I will listen to the needs of my peers and ensure I will be a voice for everyone. I truly will do my best in this role as dance changed me and I hope to impact others through dance.