In September, Trinity Laban Graduate School students came together for a day of presentations, discussions and networking. The yearly event provides an opportunity to share ideas, explore research and creative practice, and connect with peers from across disciplines.
The day kicked off with keynote speakers and founders of Boy Blue, choreographer Kenrick ‘H2O’ Sandy and composer Michael ‘Mikey J’ Asante who shared insights from their careers and creative collaboration with a focus on starting out in the industry. Other guest speakers included interdisciplinary dance artist and MA Creative Practice: Dance graduate Francesca Matthys, and concert pianist, recording artist and Master of Music (MMus) graduate Ophelia Gordon. In conversation they reflected on their experiences as alumni and creative practitioners, highlighting the need for self-compassion and discussing where they found their inspiration.
After a morning of stimulating discussion, graduate students joined breakout rooms facilitated by Trinity Laban teaching staff, giving the students the opportunity to build connections with peers, discuss their work and exchange ideas. Students welcomed the opportunity as it provided a space to discuss collaboration across artforms ahead of the new academic year.
Associate Director (Dance), Dr Naomi Lefebvre Sell said: “Our students had a fantastic day and felt inspired by our keynote and graduate speakers, continuing to talk about their exchanges well into the afternoon in the networking event. Having an opportunity to hear both from established artists and from recent graduates with whom they can feel more directly identified gives the Graduate School students an exciting start to the year.”