MA Diasporic Dance Styles – IRIE! dance theatre

Returning to study –is it worth the emotional and financial investment?

We are now halfway through the second year of the MA Diasporic Dance Styles, run by IRIE! dance theatre and validated by Goldsmiths University of London. This appears to be an opportune time to reflect on the course as applications come in for our third year beginning in September 2026.

I will begin with a reflection of the past coupled with observations on the cohorts and their unique opportunities. Whatever the feelings, returning to study is a major investment so it must be worth it, right ?

I was barely 18 when I began my undergraduate degree at Laban (currently Trinity Laban) begrudging time away from the studio and dancing, I was into the practice rather than theory, I loved dancing and although I would diligently complete all academic assignments it was never my focus. I would always hand things in with an eye towards the next rehearsal or class.

So why did I decide to return to study years later for an MA Performing Arts ? I was already into work, juggling projects while working at a Further Education College. Mainly I wanted the opportunity to really study and meet other practitioners, to form partnerships and meet potential collaborators. However, at the time it did feel like an unknown venture, and I remember the feeling of anticipation as our cohort met each other for the first time. That leap turned out to be well worth the risk, I met great people, kickstarting my thinking in new directions, and it turned out that I loved studying, who knew, I think my 18-year-old self would have laughed. I believe it’s true that different things suit different stages of your life. I embraced the challenge and the time to reflect, entertaining new levels of critical thinking.

Now in a different position, I understand how that big leap of faith can manifest itself as students come online at the beginning of the year for induction. They approach the event with trepidation, is this going to work out, was the sacrifice, the allocations of time and money worth it, will their worst fears be realised or will they feel a sense of relief, a sense of homecoming. The air is filled with a combination of many feelings as the first meeting gets underway.

The answer is you will never know if the course is right unless you jump and experience everything IRIE! and the MA has to offer. Reflecting on my own experience and witnessing the first graduation of the MA Diasporic Dance Styles I am constantly reminded of how brilliant it is to return to study and the uniqueness of the course, as it comes to you where you are, asking you to reflect on your practice and consider where you want to go next. Then there are the opportunities to meet other artists and be part of a creative hub whether online or in the studio. IRIE! dance theatre is building a hub of artists through the company, community activity and education courses.

Whatever stage you are at you will meet extraordinary people, dancers, lecturers, choreographers, musicians, producers, designers and many others completing work in different ways. In its second year as I witness the projects and different conversations, I know that this is the place to be ….take a leap ,come and join us ! I return to the photo seen in January 2026, witness the joy at our first graduation.

Rosie Lehan- Director of Accredited Training – IRIE! dance theatre

For more information contact ma@iriedancetheatre.org