Students treated to Hollywood masterclass

1st October 2024

A Stratford-upon-Avon College alumnus recently treated Dance and Musical Theatre students to a masterclass in professional dancing.

Former student and professional dancer, Mike Fellows, visited campus to teach several dance classes to the College’s Performing Arts students. Since graduating from the College in 2013, Mike has been a part of several impressive projects including touring with the Spice Girls, appearing in Ridley Scott’s ‘Napoleon’, and Netflix’s Bridgerton. He can also be seen in the new Wicked movie set for release in cinemas this November.

Mike used his professional training to give the students an intense commercial dance class, putting them through a warmup fit for an athlete and taught them a fierce dance combination, which encouraged them to use movement in different ways.

Student Evan Soley felt that having a dancer that is currently working in the industry is good for their training. They commented: “We got to do things we wouldn’t usually, and Mike showed us everything we can do going forward. It was a great experience.”

At the end of the class, Mike sat down with the students to give them an overview of his impressive resume and offered them advice for the industry. He told students to play to their strengths and emphasised the importance of hard work.

Students sat in a dance studio taking part in a Q&A.
Students enjoyed listening to Mike discuss his time in industry.

He also gave the students the opportunity to ask him questions, where he gave them an understanding of drama school training and audition tips. After the Q&A, student Katie Hopkins expressed that it gave her a glimpse of what lies ahead. She commented: “The session gave me an insight of what to look forward to and how to present myself moving forward.”

Find out more about the College’s Performing & Production Arts courses: SUAC Onstage