Meet the dancer: Katrina Elisa Madrilejo

Originally from the Philippines, Katrina started dancing when she was six years old. She moved to London and studied at Arts Educational, London to continue her passion in the performing arts, especially in dance. She gained her Dance GCSE, A Level, and also ISTD and RAD exams while studying there. She currently gained her BA (Hons) in Contemporary Dance at London Contemporary Dance School. Katrina is still eager to develop her artistry, and is interested in learning new and dynamic dance styles as well as developing to be a well-rounded artist. She is also currently interested in photography and traveling.

• When did you start dancing, and when did you realise that dance was going to be the main career focus for you?  

I started dancing when I was six years old. It was only when I moved to the UK from the Philippines, when I was 14 years old, that I realised dance can be a profession. That’s when I realised my passion could be my career.

• What was the first piece of live dance you watched?

I don’t know, but the one that I remember as my first piece of live dance was Swan Lake.

• Can you tell us about a particularly memorable performing experience you’ve had? (Or perhaps one that you would rather forget about?)

One of the most memorable performing experiences for me is quite recent. It was my graduation piece, render akin, choreographed by Shay Kuebler. It was memorable for me because it was one of the most challenging pieces I have done so far in terms of stamina and endurance. Every rehearsal, run through and performance was a push—and that’s what kept it interesting and enjoyable!

• What/who influences or inspires you as a dancer?

The people around me inspire me: my environment, my surroundings. It changes on a daily basis depending on what I see, feel, hear or touch.

• Why have you chosen to study on the postgraduate performance programme EDge?

I felt the need to investigate, explore and listen to my body more. And I believe that EDge will give me that space and guidance.

• What are you surprisingly bad at?

I am surprisingly bad at talking in front of a huge audience.

• What are you surprisingly good at?

I am surprisingly good at time management.

• Anything else you’d like to add? 

I studied Photography and Media Studies during my A Levels and I continue to explore these during my free time. Hopefully there will be time at some point to deepen my experience in these, and maybe connect it with dance. I love hiking. When I’m stressed, or need to escape from the city, the mountains calm me down. Sometimes I need that when my training is intense.