Wolverhampton University Sports Therapy Students gain real-world experience through special work visit
Sports & Exercise Therapy students were given a unique chance to learn on the job after being involved in a major production.
The students from Wolverhampton University were given an unforgettable industry experience after going backstage at the Birmingham date of Jason Derulo’s The Last Dance World Tour at the Utilita Arena Birmingham at the end of January.
Supervised by staff, students provided pre-show treatments to the tour’s professional dancers, supporting them physically ahead of a high-energy performance and offering a real-world insight into the demands of working within elite performance and touring environments.
All students received positive feedback from the dancers and said they were delighted to stay and watch the show afterwards, proud in the knowledge that they had played a small but important role in the performance that night.
Lecturer Aisha James-Smith said: “It’s important for students to see that there are so many pathways beyond the typical routes.
"Performance and touring environments are intense and demanding, but incredibly rewarding, and the students really rose to the challenge.”
For third-year old student Anthea Beckford, the experience was particularly meaningful.
She said: “It was nice to know that we had helped them in some way to be able to perform. I was really proud.”
Anthea also reflected on a personal full-circle moment during the experience, sharing how she used to show her daughter videos of renowned dance duo Les Twins to inspire her to move more freely when she was starting out in dance.
She said that seeing them perform live as part of the tour’s dance crew and knowing she had contributed to the show behind the scenes made the opportunity even more special.
