MEMBERS' NEWS

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MEMBER PROFILE

NAME Ruth Cowley Glass

D.O.B. 29/12/70

HOW DID YOU FIRST BECOME INTERESTED IN DANCE?

My mum took me to Ballet class when I was 3. Later, when I was 8, I started going to dance classes at the University of Ulster in Coleraine, where I got the chance to perform at the Riverside Theatre.

WHERE DID YOU TRAIN?
In Northern Ireland, I trained with Maxine Graham and Jennifer Hall. Then I went onto professional dance training at Legat Russian Ballet School, Bush Davies Theatre Arts & Education, Central School of Ballet, and graduated from London Studio Centre.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE AS A DANCER?
Well I suppose it is quite eclectic really, because I have had the chance to train in many different styles (I trained professionally for 6 years). But mainly I think of myself as a classically trained Jazz / Hip-Hop dancer.

WHEN DID YOU REALISE THAT YOU WANTED TO DANCE PROFESSIONALLY?

I went to a Ballet performance when I was 11, and after that I wanted to perform. A program called Fame used to be on the T.V. at that time and I realised that I could go to train to be a dancer. I stepped up my dance practice from that time on and took it very seriously. I applied to audition for dance schools in England and after a couple of years I was awarded a Talented Child Award from the Arts Council (N.I.), which meant I could take a place at one of the schools I had auditioned for.

WHAT IS IT THAT YOU LOVE ABOUT DANCE?
Over the years, I have loved the challenges different dance styles put upon the physical body, and how far one can push oneself to perform certain moves that at the start seem so hard (i.e. triple pirouettes on point and some freezes!). Obviously having my background in Ballet, which is an art form that pushes the body to the limit, has helped when working in, say, a Hip-Hop medium, which is so athletic, yet equally demanding. Apart from that, I think dance is so rewarding both physically and mentally. It is addictive in a good way.

WHO IN THE FIELD OF DANCE HAS INSPIRED YOU THE MOST?
When I was a kid, I thought Mikhail Baryshnikov was brilliant because he was a very enigmatic classical performer, who diversified into the Jazz/Modern dance scene, acting and dancing in many films. Mostly it’s been certain teachers who have really inspired me, such as Arlene Urb and Paul Henry. I have had the chance to be taught by so many great teachers it is hard to pick a few!

HOW DO YOU FIND WORKING IN DANCE IN NORTHERN IRELAND?

That’s a tough one! The fact that it is a small place is sometimes good in terms of employment and people getting to know who you are and what you do, but unfortunately it also means there isn’t as much dance activity going on. It does not have the diversity of a big city like London, so you have to work harder to be inspired as a choreographer!

WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE CHOREOGRAPHER?

At the moment, Dave Scott. He did the choreography for Step Up 2 and You Got Served. He is just so inventive and keeps breaking new ground in the Hip-Hop dance world.

WHAT IS THE MOST INSPIRING PERFORMANCE YOU HAVE EVER SEEN?

I saw a Jazz Dance company from Chicago years ago when I first started London Studio Centre. I have long since forgotten what they were called, unfortunately, because they were great performers and did an electric show, which I have not forgotten since. Watching Sylvie Guillem perform at the Royal Opera House was pretty amazing too!

FAVOURITE COMPOSER/MUSICIAN?

I like Puccini. In Hip-Hop I love "29th Chapter".

WHAT IS THE MOST FRUSTRATING THING ABOUT WORKING IN THE DANCE PROFESSION?

Injuries! Over the years I have known dancers who've had to give up because of an accident or from damage incurred from training and you really feel for them. I’ve had my share of times when I’ve had to stop or reduce my dance activity. There is nothing you can do about it, so it is so frustrating.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ANY YOUNG PERSON WISHING TO BECOME A PROFESSIONAL DANCER?

Train to be a plumber instead! It is a tough call, you need to be 100 % dedicated. Get yourself professional training. If you wish to train in Ballet, Jazz, Musical Theatre or Hip-Hop this will mean leaving N.I., so you will have to consider if this is something you can do. You do not need to be the best dancer in your dance school, but you have to be the one who gets up at 6am and trains independently every day of the year... for years and years. Even then you will need to be versatile. Dance is an over-subscribed profession so you will need to diversify. Even if you get to be very, very good there's just not the jobs to go around. I have done plenty of acting, promotional work and yes, waitressing! along the way. Don't neglect your education as it is definitely a good idea to have a career or another skill to fall back on. On the upside it is a very interesting career choice and if you love doing it, it is very satisfying.

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU’RE NOT DANCING?

Well, there is plenty of office type work involved on a daily basis, because I am self-employed. Apart from that I love to spend time with my family.