UWTSD Students share stage with Will Smith at Cardiff Castle Concert.
Students from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s (UWTSD) Wales Academy of Voice and Dramatic Arts (WAVDA) had the unforgettable opportunity to perform alongside Hollywood icon Will Smith during his concert at Cardiff Castle.
During his performance of the iconic song ‘Men in Black’ – 9 of WAVDA’s Commercial Dance and Musical Theatre students joined him on the stage as backing dancers. Among them was Cas Alleyne, a BA Commercial dance student, who said:
“Definitely the highlight of my dance journey so far. To dance for someone who has been a huge role model for me and others in the Black community for years, it was an immensely surreal yet rewarding experience. Will is genuinely kind and upbeat. Would 1000% do it again!”
The opportunity came along after Justin Sparkes, a visiting lecturer from J1 Studios, invited the students to take part.
Tori Johns, Section Leader for Dance & Programme Director, BA (Hons) Musical Theatre, said:
“It was an unforgettable experience for our BA (Hons) Musical Theatre and BA (Hons) Commercial Dance students to share the stage with Will Smith. Opportunities like this are incredibly rare and offer our students a real taste of the professional industry at the highest level. We’re so proud of their professionalism, talent, and the way they represented UWTSD on such a global platform.”
Lee McCallion, Programme Manager for the BA Commercial Dance course, said:
“As Programme Manager for BA (Hons) Commercial Dance, I am incredibly proud of the professionalism our students bring to every performance opportunity. Their dedication to training, combined with a passion for performance, truly prepares them for industry’s demands, often facilitated by our visiting lecturers, such as Justin Sparkes, who are all established professionals in their fields. It is a privilege to watch our students grow into confident, industry-ready pros!”
Angharad Lee, Programme Manager for BA Perfformio and BA Musical Theatre, said:
“Ensuring our students are industry ready is at the heart of all we do. Our tutors/lecturers are all professionals in their field, and working alongside freelancers ensures all our students and courses remain ahead of the game when it comes to skills and performance opportunities. To see our students hold their own on stage gives us all great joy and hopefully is a springboard for those students to aim as high as they can and believe in themselves a little more.”
The Dean of the UWTSD’s Wales Institute of Science and Art, Dr Mark Cocks, said:
“For the students of UWTSD Wales Academy of Voice and Dramatic Arts, standing on stage alongside Will Smith at Cardiff Castle is more than a performance – it’s a moment of inspiration, proof that their talent and dedication can shine on the world stage. It’s a reminder that they have the power to showcase their hard work and passion far beyond Wales.”
Further Information
Lowri Thomas
Principal Communications and PR Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: lowri.thomas@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07449 998476