Dance Society: Welfare and Volunteering Officer

Hey Dance Soc! My name is Gemma and I'm a first year Psychology student :)

My first year so far has been an incredible experience - I’ve met so many wonderful people and have had so much fun dancing with you all. However, I am also aware that dance can become time-consuming, tiring, and quite stressful at times, especially when preparing for one of our many shows, competitions, or having to manage multiple jobs while on the committee. Therefore, as Welfare and Volunteering Officer, I plan to prioritise the physical health and mental well-being of every one of our members, making sure Dance Soc can always be an enjoyable and exciting space for you to escape uni work and other life stresses.

I am well qualified for this role, as I was Well-Being Prefect and Dance Captain in my final year of school, which involved having responsibility over the welfare of all students, and especially my dancers. I hope to liaise with our Social Sec to plan welfare socials that allow you to use dance as a therapeutic outlet, and to help you create lasting friendships with other dancers, beyond your weekly rehearsals and classes.

I also have a lot of experience with Volunteering, such as going on a trip abroad to volunteer, which was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I would be delighted to manage 'Dance It!' and to encourage more dancers to get involved and make a positive impact on our community.

I'm always up for a chat (and a hug), so please come and talk to me any time you need <3

Throughout my life, i have had to lean on others kindness and charity in order to get through difficult patches. As a result I have grown up wanting nothing more than to give back. In this case it is in the form of supporting dancers both in and outside of my community. 

Dance can be a difficult sport at times. it is physically and emotionally taxing in ways which are difficult to explain to non-dancers. As welfare officer I would strive to not only be a friendly face to turn to but an understanding one as well. I will strive to reduce anxiety surrounding auditions and performing to make sure as many people as possible get to have their moment on stage or in class! 

Beyond being easy to talk to i also hold volunteering close to my heart. Over Christmas i volunteered at a homeless shelter interacting and aiding vulnerable people in need. On a smaller scale i have also helped young children with dyslexia to read, something i definitely struggled with myself in primary school. Needless to say i very happily offer my time for others and would love the opportunity to combine one passion with another (dance). 

Finally, producing shows is something i am familiar with having produced 2 musicals in the past! I hope my skillset has shone through and you consider me to be your next welfare & volunteering officer :)