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Hiya, I’m Sylvie and I’m from Brighton. I’m currently in my first year at the Uni of Leeds studying philosophy.
I’ve been doing ballet since I was 3, but stopped when i was 16. It had been several years since doing ballet when I started again at uni, so I was quite nervous to join. However, my worries were immediately quashed once attending my first lesson! Every member I’ve met has been so friendly and fun, and I’ve loved get to know people more at the socials. As the Welfare & Inclusion Officer I’d be sure to uphold this wonderful environment!

For those of you in classes with me, you’ll know that I love to natter at any given moment. As well as just enjoying chatting, I try to make the classes fun and social. I’d love to be able to extend this beyond my classes to create a society of friendships. As to achieve this I’d host regular sober socials during the day or evening depending on what’s preferred by members. Primarily, i want to plan things based around the feedback given by you all, but to begin with I’d offer coffee catch ups, creative painting/doodling sessions, picnics, and games nights. Furthermore, you’ll be sure to see my face at the Wednesday socials, ensuring both freshers and returners feel included in the activities, and that they’re able to make the same amazing bonds that I have this year 3

As well as creating a welcoming community, I’d use my position to continue the incredible work of last year’s Show Captain, Clara, in making the shows more accessible. Alongside the Show Captain and Treasurer, I’d like to help organise creating accessible programmes and getting interpreters for our shows. I also want to ensure shows feel inclusive for our dancers, by offering a safe space where members can go if they need a break from the busy backstage. This would include snacks, drinks, activities and someone to speak with (whether that be me or another ballet member) to help with nerves. Outside of the show season, I’ll be around to support all the members and guide them to the appropriate welfare resources as they want/need - a role I’ve already been taking on this year as the Philosophy Course Rep. In this position I’ve regularly reached out to my course mates and successfully worked on the feedback they’ve provided - a skill I’d be sure to continue as part of the Ballet Committee.

Finally, throughout the year I will raise awareness for our chosen charity, working with other societies and their Welfare/Charity Secs, as to raise as much money as we can. To do this I’d like to organise socials and have frequent instagram posts discussing the importance of the charity. Most importantly I’ll be taking a lead in organising the annual Dance-a-thon! I hope to collaborate with as many Dance and other Sport’s societies as possible, so we can offer plenty of fun classes to dancers and non-dancers across the uni.

Thank you so much for reading my statement, I hope you consider voting for me as your next Welfare & Inclusion Officer xxx