International Student Profile: Joop Oonk (MA Dance Cultures)
Thursday 7 March 2013
As a dance practitioner it was very important for me to do a one year MA and to combine my practice with theory. Besides, I was looking for a course that positions dance clearly within a study of culture, as I wanted my dissertation to focus on contemporary understandings of Turkish folk dance. The MA Dance Cultures was exactly that.
During my first days at Surrey I was overwhelmed by the size of the campus and especially the Library, given that the University where I studied in the Netherlands was just one building. However, soon enough I adapted and felt the freedom to go wherever I wanted both within and outside campus.
I enjoy the fact that the University offers extra help with programmes and seminars which are open to everyone; this is especially important for international students.
I have enjoyed working with theory in the first semester, which opened up my understanding of possibilities within dance practice in general and it was very helpful to be offered different ways of approaching my own research and interests. During the second semester I have chosen more practical modules which enable me to combine theory with practice, and the option of pursuing a professional internship, which will give me a good understanding of dance practice in the UK as well as invaluable work experience. Even though it was not that easy to find a good internship, as I come from abroad and did not particularly know the UK scene, the dance staff helped me find an opportunity which suits my needs and future aspirations.
After finishing my MA degree, I hope to return to the Netherlands and get involved in the professional dance scene there, applying all the things I have learned at Surrey.
