Spotlight on… Laila Alali

This week we talked to Laila, currently studying to be a GP!

Laila in graduation outfit!

This week we trun the JBD spotlight onto Laila Alali. Laila spent 13 very happy years as a JBD only leaving us at 18 to go off to University where she is training as a GP. Laila was always a hard working student who was very focused and enthusiastic so its no surprise to us that she is doing so well in her chosen career! Here is what she had to say about her time as a JBD:

"I joined the Joanne Banks Dancers at the age of 5, initially partaking in tap and modern classes. So from a young age dancing and the JBD family were large parts of my life. My life outside of school soon revolved around dancing and I was attending classes at least four times a week for ballet, tap, modern, and private lessons. When I moved to Teesside aged 8, I didn’t even consider it an option to change dance schools. I have many fond memories of my 13 years at the school and made some amazing friends along the way. I often look back and reminisce about the experiences I was privileged to have. I was extremely sad to leave, but at the age of 18 University beckoned. 

Having studied Medicine at the University of Leeds, I am now training to be a GP. I feel that the experiences I had as a JBD allowed me to develop not just at my dancing skills but on a personal level too. Through dance shows, exams, and auditions I was able to learn to deal with nerves and develop my confidence. I have been able to take these skills forward into my chosen career where I frequently have to perform clinical skills in front of others. 

I’m pleased to see the school is continuing to expand and go from strength to strength. I would definitely recommend to anyone and everyone. I only wish I still lived close by, as I would re-join in a heartbeat."


What lovely words from Laila! xxx

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