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Hey guys, for anyone that doesn’t know me, I’m Gabby. I can’t even stress how much I love being in modern — this society has, without a doubt, been the highlight of my uni experience. Between the socials, getting the chance to compete, and the Barcelona trip, I can safely say I have an insane appreciation for everything that modern has to offer, and I would love the opportunity to become more involved by being your merch rep next year.

I’m a second-year law student (who has probably spent more time with the modern girls than any of my lecturers). As with any law student, I’m super organised and have great attention to detail. These skills would really help with managing orders and coordinating with production companies — both vital parts of the role.

I’ve been a member of modern for two years (since I was just a little fresher) and have been lucky enough to compete in advanced jazz, wildcard, and commercial categories across four different uni comps this year.

Merch is such a huge part of how modern presents itself — not only to other unis at comps, but also to different societies around Leeds. It’s really important to me that our merch is not only functional, but also something people genuinely want to wear outside of the studio. I want modern merch to have the ultimate cool/chic vibe: think sleek lines, flattering fits, and our distinct modern pink — but made a little more wearable, so we’re not walking around the library looking like highlighters ;)

• Jaz has done such an incredible job this year, and I would love to build on the merch she’s already been planning by offering TOUR-EXCLUSIVE MODERN BIKINIS (so we can rep modern across the globe).
• Following this theme, I’d love to do more MERCH DROPS around key events in the modern calendar, like Varsity and shows.
• As a broke uni student, I fully understand the importance of merch being ACCESSIBLE AND AFFORDABLE for everyone. Keeping prices as low as possible without compromising on QUALITY would be really important to me.
• I’d love the modern girls to have as much input as possible when it comes to supplies and designs by running POLLS throughout the year. I’d also make browsing and buying merch as easy as possible by linking the catalogue on Instagram as well as Facebook (for those of us not living our best millennial lives).
• I’d make sure to maintain good communication with our treasurer to ensure a FAIR BUDGET for additional merch, such as comp T-shirts, so they can be subsidised and kept affordable.
• Finally, as someone with a keen interest in fashion and marketing (and someone genuinely considering it for a masters!!!), I’d love to help modern put out more ELEVATED BASICS alongside our amazing activewear.

From speaking to lots of our lovely ladies, the highest demand at the moment seems to be:
• off-the-shoulder tops (because we all seem to cut them ourselves anyway)
• baggy, jéts-frans-style joggers (with multiple lengths for both our tiny and tall girlies)
• fitted sports jackets and Canterbury quarter-zips (think Pinterest/lululemon vibes)
• a zip-up hoodie alongside our gorgeous sweatshirts
• more accessories — headbands, Croc jibbitz, and anything else I can source for our dancers
• a TOTE BAG — because we will absolutely be carrying our comp stuff in style

Thank you all so much for considering me for committee — sending so much love, Gabs !!!!!!!

Hi, I’m Eva and I would love to be your 26/27 Merch Rep. I’ve been part of Modern for the past three years, so I’ve really seen what makes the society so special, and I’d love the chance to give something back by creating merch that represents Modern. I’m always wearing Modern merch myself, so I really care about making pieces that people feel confident, comfortable, and excited to wear both in and out of dance.

As Merch Rep, I’d focus on making merch more inclusive and affordable. I would use polls and feedback to make sure designs reflect what merch people want, while still introducing fresh ideas alongside the staples. I’d also work closely with the treasurer to keep everything within budget and prices fair, as well as looking into deals or sponsorships where possible.

Some of the ideas I’d love to introduce are matching flares and a gym jacket, Modern pjs so we can all match for PJ week!! bringing back tour t-shirts, and maybe even some pink Crocs. I think it’s important to have a mix of fun and practical merch so there’s something for everyone and people get excited about each drop.

I also have experience on an academic society committee, so I understand how important organisation and communication are. I’d aim to run smooth, well-timed merch drops and keep everything clear and straightforward. Overall, I just want to create merch that people genuinely love wearing and that brings the society together.

MY MANIFESTO:

I have so many exciting plans that I can’t wait to put into action next year!
I believe I’d be a good fit for the role as I’m a very creative person, and as a graphic design student, digital design is something I do for multiple hours every day, so rest assured that your merch designs will be in safe hands. I have a few main goals for the 26/27 modern dance year:

- Introduce the work-out skort! This was detailed in my Instagram post, and I know it’ll be very useful as, naturally, we dancers like to look elegant and stylish when dancing, and this is designed perfectly for that. It provides you with maximum comfort in and out of class, all while looking the part!

- Keep sparkles alive! I’m such a fiend for glitter and sparkles, so as your 26/27 merch sec, best believe that glitter and sparkles will be seen! I love the idea of having them on joggers, comp jackets, etc!

- Keep modern dance feeling like modern dance! Clothes are the visual representation of our society, so I will ensure all clothing items look the part, in-line with our colour scheme, with lots of options, including all your favs – the Leeds fleece, joggers, you name it!

I also am aware that there’s a lot of admin and organisation for this role, which is something I’m well-prepped for. As someone who has joint-led a show before in sixth form and was involved in costume organisation, been actively involved in my hometown dance school since the age of 5 and costume sourcing, and generally someone who keeps an organised schedule of my work and life, I’m very aware and prepped for organising clothing and placing orders. So, I can assure you that all admin linked to merch will be in safe hands with me!

I’m looking forward to hopefully being your 26/27 merch sec!!