An acclaimed Scottish Ballet dancer shares how she achieved her first-class Open University degree alongside a full-time career as a professional ballerina.
Constance Devernay-Laurence is used to wowing audiences as a Principal dancer in Scottish Ballet. She’s now added another achievement to her bright career by completing a degree in Sport, Fitness and Coaching.
“It’s great to be able to inspire other people through dance both on and off stage,” says the 32-year-old. “Studying with The Open University has also boosted my confidence and promoted my own inner drive to keep learning.”
Swapping ballet slippers for books
Through the six years she studied part-time for her OU degree, Constance performed in over 17 different productions including The Nutcracker, Cinderella and The Snow Queen.
Surprisingly, she says that the backstage dressing rooms proved the perfect place to study:
“I studied mainly in the evenings after rehearsals, or during the day, between performances,” she says. “My favourite place to study is in my dressing room in theatres, as it is a quiet place where I can find my focus.
“Touring nationally and internationally with Scottish Ballet meant that I could find time to study during our travel.”
Constance admits that it was a fine balance to complete her studies at the same time as a physically taxing performance schedule. Which is why the flexibility of an Open University qualification was so important.
“It was definitely challenging at times to fit my studies around the company’s heavy rehearsal and performance schedule and its inevitable toll on my body, but, in a way, it allowed me to have an escape from ballet and get some perspective on what is a demanding career,” she says.
“I have also learned valuable psychological and physiological skills with each module, which in turn helped me become a better and stronger dancer.”
Career-boosting skills
Constance was born in Amiens, France and started dancing at just five years old. After training with the English National Ballet School in London, Constance moved to Glasgow in 2009 to join Scottish Ballet and has been a Principal dancer since 2016.
Reflecting on her journey so far, Constance says that completing a degree has helped her to apply her skills to her current career and set her up for one in the future.
“I now feel better equipped to transition from my career as a professional ballet dancer when the time is right, but also to tackle everyday challenges,” she says.
As a proud graduate, Constance had this advice for anyone looking to invest in their futures and start a qualification with the OU:
“Studying with the OU was the best decision for my future, and I would encourage anyone who is thinking of starting a module or degree to take that step.
“All the tutors and staff were so supportive, I never felt out of my depth, even though English isn’t my first language, and I knew that I could always ask for help or extra time if needed. Graduating felt amazing and I have loved my time with the OU.”
After crossing the stage with fellow graduates at her OU degree ceremony in Glasgow, Constance is now back performing with Scottish Ballet as The Snow Queen.
Inspired by Constance’s journey? Start your own
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Photo credit: Julie Howden
