Dance
Top dancer sets the scene for new generation of stage stars
As a West End star and former backing dancer for some of the biggest names in the pop world, Jason Piper is well accustomed to gruelling training schedules, flying around the globe and performing in front of audiences of thousands. But he describes the preparation for the Dance Show at Kingston University as his most daunting so far. This time he did not find himself centre stage, instead making way for students from the University's Dance BA(Hons) degree who have lapped up his expert tuition.
Mr Piper, who performed in singer Kylie Minogue's sell-out Fever world tour, began running the new degree in September 2007, teaching urban, ethnic and popular dance styles as well as more conventional classical and contemporary dance. With 27 years industry experience under his belt, the dancer, whose other critically-acclaimed performances include playing the lead role in the all-male version of Swan Lake, said he felt ready for a change and was enjoying the move into academic life. "Performing around the world was an amazing experience and I was lucky to get through it with no injuries, never missing a show, but I eventually felt that I wanted to share that knowledge," he said. "Over the years I've worked in many areas of dance and the Kingston course is packed with diversity which is one of the things that really appealed to me when I took the job. I've found making the change from dancer to lecturer has been the most challenging of my life so far physically, academically and spiritually but I've loved every moment."
The experience Mr Piper brings to Kingston from his professional career has made him a hit with students such as 23-year-old Chardine Wadley, from South Croydon. "I'd seen Jason in Swan Lake twice and I really admired his determination to succeed in such a wide range of genres despite not coming from a traditional dance background," she said. Chardine, who has been dancing since she was five, had planned to study sports science, but when she spotted the Kingston dance course knew it was for her. "I've always been interested in a broad variety of styles from contemporary to ballet, tap and jazz and the course has taken a really creative look at the art of dance and helped me to take my performances to another level," she said. Chardine hopes to use the experience gained as part of her degree to go on to produce dance videos or set up a dance school.
Throughout their time on the course students will be able to capitalise on the vibrant multicultural dance scene in London, getting involved in community dance and forging links with festival organisers. As well as paving the way for students to become dancers and choreographers, the course would also provide a strong footing for those considering outreach and youth work, Mr Piper said. To help them along the way he has set his sights high. "We've got people coming in from the top end of the top end of the industry to work with the students," Mr Piper said. "It's my aim to build and develop industry relationships right from the start so we can make Kingston one of the strongest dance courses on offer not just in the United Kingdom but internationally."
Frank Whately, Head of Performance and Screen Studies, said students at Kingston were benefiting immensely from Mr Piper's years in the industry. "The University is privileged to have such a high calibre tutor to inspire undergraduates," Mr Whately said. "Whatever their background, our course enables students to explore their individual identity and relationship with the wider community through dance."
