Nicola sits down with dance educator and former West End performer Alicia, owner of Afonso School of Performing Arts, and graduate of the Certificate in Dancer's Injury Prevention (SCQF-8) to explore the realities of a professional dance career beyond the highlight reel.
From winning competitions as a young dancer and landing her dream role in We Will Rock You at just 19 years old, to navigating injury, burnout, motherhood, and eventually opening her own dance school, Alicia shares the lessons she wishes she'd known earlier in her career.
Together, they discuss the pressures of early specialisation, the challenge of finding purpose after achieving a lifelong goal, the importance of injury prevention and self-care for performers, and why being the best in the room isn't always the key to long-term success.
Now a successful dance school owner, teacher, and examiner, Alicia reflects on how her experiences as a performer have shaped her approach to teaching and developing the next generation of dancers.
This episode is packed with practical wisdom for dancers, teachers, and anyone navigating ambition, identity, and life beyond the dream.
Find us on socials:
Alicia Instagram
Afonso School of Performing Arts Instagram
Nicola Instagram
Dance Teachers Training Academy Instagram
Website