Dyslexia Association 

What led you to your current career as a Dancer?
I work as a Dancing Assistant in an African drumming and dancing class.

In the past I did voluntary work, working with kids in Hammersmith, three- to fifteen-year-olds. I was helping them, if they were stuck with the movement.

I would like to build a dance studio in Sierra Leone in Africa.

You have done a work placement in Africa before. Could you tell us about that?
When I was in Sierra Leone, my cousin introduced me to the Headteacher where she used to work. 

I went to the nursery and taught the three- to five-year-olds hip-hop and African dancing. At the end of the class, they performed it to their parents.

What made you want to be a Dancer?
I was seven years old, and I got support from my Mum.  At first, I started Street dance, dancing in the community and doing performances.

What are the highlights of your career so far? / Which aspects do you enjoy the most?
Making people happy, family and friends.

Raising money for Cancer research.  My Grandma and Grandad had it, so in Secondary School, I was in year ten and then I said ‘Lets raise money for Cancer Research.’  Everyone came in wearing pink or white.  We had an assembly where I performed, and we raised loads of money.

I did volunteer at the Royal Opera House.  I was ushering and selling tickets, the cloakroom, showing them around.

At the Lyric Theatre I was volunteering.

My passion is to open a studio in Sierra Leone to help the people that can’t afford it and helping them to make them smile.

I have been doing family events as well.

How has living with dyslexia shaped your life? Pros and Cons?
Just be yourself and work hard and don’t listen to other people and what they say.

If you could go back in time and talk to yourself at Primary School, what would you tell your younger self?
Just be yourself and work hard and don’t listen to other people and what they say.  Just be you.

If you could talk to yourself as you started your G.C.S.E.s, what advice would you give to your younger self?
Try other stuff to challenge yourself.  It’s not all about doing G.C.S.E.  You can do other things like the functional skills, or you can just do what you like.  Your passion, like I really dancing.  Or you can do volunteering or work experience.

What is the biggest obstacle that you have overcome?
Talking in public, because I used to be shy but now I am more confident.

Was there a particular person who helped you?
Yes, when I was in Primary School there was a woman called Auntie Ingrid.  She helped me with my reading.

The other person was Miss Jean.  She is a T.A. that helped me in Primary School.  Up to now she always asks how I am going.

Annette helped me with my Maths, English and different topics and skills.

My Mum, she always supports me and she’s always there for me.

Do you have any advice for young people who are navigating life with dyslexia?
Be yourself, work hard and don’t listen to other people and what they say.