Cian Hughes Interview

Cian attained a scholarship to Central School of Ballet, London

Cian's Story

INTERVIEW WITH CIAN HUGHES

Cian came to the College of Dance with relatively little dance experience. His completed the two-year diploma course which enabled him to not only win a scholarship to one of Europe’s most prestigious Ballet Schools, Central School of Ballet, London, but also has helped him go onto a fantastic professional career in Dance.

In Cian’s interview he fondly looks back on his time at the College of Dance, describes his journey in dance since leaving the College in 2013 and give some advice to anyone thinking of attending the College of Dance.

Read Cian's Interview

Earliest Dance Memory?

I started dancing locally at Spotlight Stage School in Navan when I was about 5 and then performed in pantomimes as a kid. I didn’t start training in Ballet, Contemporary or Jazz technique until I became a student at the College of Dance.

How did you hear about the College?

Through a number of friends. I always heard of older dancers going through the College and doing so well professionally. Many getting scholarships to some amazing schools in the UK or throughout the world. So for me it was the only place I wanted to go as I know it was the best.

What was your first day at the College of Dance?

I was just soooo excited! I had no clue what to expect and was pretty nervous but just so happy to be there. I was ready to learn and keen to do my best. It felt a bit like one of those old dance movies. It was brilliant.

What’s your fondest memory of the College of Dance?

Just being in the studio. Dancing and learning and being surrounded by the College of Dancy family.  I look back at my time at the College with great fondness. I truly did love the time I spent there.

“The best decision I ever made was studying at the College of Dance. It allowed me to develop my technique and to give me the tools to successfully audition for schools in the UK”

What has been your professional journey since leaving the College?

I studied at Central School of Ballet in London, graduating in 2016 with a BA Hons in Professional Dance. In my final year of training I performed in the Ballet Central UK tour. Upon graduating I made my professional debut with Ballet Ireland performing in The Nutcracker and Giselle.

I also trained alongside Northern Ballet UK in their post graduate program and performed the role of Baby Bear in Northern’s Goldilocks and the Three Bears for CBeebies. I have also performed in the pantomimes Aladdin and Snow White in the UK. My most recent professional work was playing the role of Pouncival and Mr. Mistofelees in CATS The Musical with Royal Caribbean which was a complete dream come true. This year I am joining the International Tour of CATS The Musical. 

Aside from performing I am also very passionate about teaching and being able to share my knowledge and experiences. It always feels really special and I feel so proud when I get to come home to Ireland and work with the next generation of dancers. I have taught workshops and masterclasses across Ireland an the UK.

What would be your career highlight to date?

I am very lucky for all of the opportunities that I have had since graduating and I feel that I am still at the beginning, but I would have to say that my career highlight to date would be getting to be in CATS. This is my absolute dream show and the show fills my heart with so much. CATS has been technically the most challenging show that I have every done but also the most rewarding and I am so excited to be joining the international tour this year!

What advice would you give a dancer thinking about joining the College of Dance?

This is the first day of the rest of your life. Always follow your heart and never apologies for being exactly who you are. Work hard and never stop learning. The best decision I ever made was studying at the College of Dance. It allowed me to develop my technique and to give me the tools and the platform to successfully audition for schools in the UK. The teachers nurtured and guided me from being this little boy who couldn’t touch his toes and didn’t know what a pilé was to the boy who moved to London to study at Ballet School. You are in the right place at the right time so trust yourself and trust your teachers. You’ve got this!

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