Dance student overcomes mental health challenges to graduate top of the class
A Wrexham dance student is celebrating after overcoming mental health challenges to graduate at the top of her class.
Nicole Roberts struggled with self-harm whilst studying for a combined honours degree in Dance and Education at Liverpool Hope University, but persevered with her studies to earn the Liz Breun Dance Prize, which is awarded annually to the best performing final-year undergraduate student.
The 22-year-old, who hails from Caergwrle on the outskirts of Wrexham, has suffered with her mental health since the age of 12.
She was referred to the University’s counselling service during her first year after she began self-harming and demonstrated remarkable resilience to flourish in the classroom.
“I have an overwhelming sense of joy and happiness,” she said as she celebrated her graduation at Liverpool Cathedral.
“I had never felt proud of myself before until I found out my final grade and that I had won the prize for the best-performing dance student.
“I feel very grateful but I know I couldn’t have done it without the support of my family and tutors.
“When I started physically hurting myself again, the University arranged counselling for me and that helped me settle what was going on in my head and gave me coping mechanisms I still use to this day.
“Liverpool Hope has been a massive help to me. I had lost who I was but coming to university helped me find who I am and has brightened my world.
“It was perfect. I’ve never had support like it and I feel like the tough times have made me stronger.”
Nicole is now set to begin postgraduate study and hopes to combine teaching dance alongside a career working in theatre.
Her talent as a dancer and choreographer has seen her secure work with the Liverpool-based Lisa Simpson Inclusive Dance Company, a social enterprise creating opportunities for disabled people to choreograph.
Founded by Lisa Simpson, who has Quadriplegia Cerebral Palsy and is non-verbal, she created the Simpson Board, a revolutionary technique that enables people of all abilities to choreograph.
Nicole was invited to work with Lisa as her translator to help choreograph performances after she was spotted performing in the Whispered Tales Theatre Company’s production of Refuge Island.
“It was a very unexpected opportunity but it was a dream come true and it has been extremely valuable,” she added.
“As a student, you think about how you are going to get seen in order to get jobs but working with Lisa boosted my confidence.
“It made me feel like a professional artist and I am hoping there will be more collaborations and opportunities to work with her in the future.”
Liverpool Hope is one of four Catholic universities in England.