Students Gain Valuable Experience Treating Dancers on Jason Derulo's The Last Dance World Tour
Students studying Sports & Exercise Therapy at Wolverhampton University recently had a hands-on learning experience during Jason Derulo's The Last Dance World Tour in Birmingham. Under the supervision of staff, the students provided pre-show treatments to the tour's professional dancers, preparing them physically for their high-energy performance. The students gained valuable insight into the demands of working in elite performance and touring environments, receiving positive feedback from the dancers.
The students were thrilled to have the opportunity to stay and watch the show after their contributions, knowing they had played a significant role in the evening's performance. Aisha James-Smith, a lecturer at the university, emphasized the importance of exposing students to diverse career paths beyond traditional routes. She highlighted the intense yet rewarding nature of performance and touring environments, noting how the students excelled in meeting the challenges presented.
For Anthea Beckford, a third-year student, the experience held special significance. She expressed pride in knowing that their treatments had helped the dancers perform at their best. Anthea also shared a personal connection to the experience, recalling how she used to show her daughter videos of Les Twins, a renowned dance duo, to inspire her own dance journey. Seeing Les Twins perform live as part of the tour's dance crew and contributing to the show behind the scenes made the experience even more meaningful for Anthea.
Overall, the students' involvement in Jason Derulo's tour provided them with a unique and memorable learning opportunity, allowing them to apply their skills in a real-world setting and gain firsthand experience in supporting performers in a high-pressure environment. The experience reinforced the students' understanding of the diverse career paths available in sports and exercise therapy, showcasing the value of hands-on learning experiences in shaping their professional development.