Liss Crisp, a BA (Hons) Dance for Commercial Performance student at University Centre Weston, embodies dedication, resilience, and an unwavering passion for dance. After welcoming her baby last summer, Liss has amazed both her lecturers and peers with her ability to balance the demands of a highly practical course with motherhood. Her commitment, hard work, and positive attitude earned her a well-deserved nomination for Creative Student of the Year.
Liss chose UCW for its intensive, versatile training and supportive learning environment, and she has thrived in the high-pressure world of dance performance. She describes working with her classmates as one of her highlights, saying: “I thrive in the high-pressure environment where we all look out for each other and collaborate to create the best performance possible.”
Despite the challenges of pregnancy during an intensely physical degree, Liss continued to excel. She adapted her training, completed some assessments early, and achieved exceptional grades in her practical exams – even performing a tap exam two and a half months early while pregnant. Reflecting on her achievements, she shares, “Dancing is like breathing to me. I can’t function without it, and it brings so much joy into my life. It’s hard work, but I love every minute of it.”
Liss has also embraced every opportunity to develop professionally, performing on the main stage at Move It, the world’s largest dance convention, and benefiting from expert guest lecturers who have shared invaluable industry insights. UCW’s state-of-the-art dance studios and tailored support services have played a vital role in her success, as Liss explains, “The lecturers and HEART team have gone above and beyond to ensure I have the best experience here. They’ve helped with finances, housing, childcare, academic support, mental health support, and more. They create the best learning environment for their students.”
Looking ahead, Liss is determined to continue her education with a master’s degree and plans to pursue a career in dance education, inspiring the next generation of performers. Her journey at UCW is a testament to her incredible work ethic, talent, and love for dance. We are immensely proud of her achievements and can’t wait to see where her passion takes her next.
If you want to apply for our Dance for Commercial Performance programme for 2025, there’s still time! Click here to apply!
