Orla, a former Student at St Augustine’s RC High School was inspired to study dance after watching Burnley College’s annual dance showcase.

She enjoyed vast work experience, from performances at the East Lancs Chamber of Commerce Ball and charity performances to being on stage at The Lowry at Udance Festival.

One of her favourite experiences at college was the Moveit Dance Festival where she was able to join workshops including a Dane Bates class and circus class – she found it to be a vital opportunity to network with companies from around the UK. It also really helped her class to bond for the first time.

Orla’s plan is to become a contemporary choreographer, cresting dances that help people, combatting serious issues, telling stories through dance that people can relate to and that make them feel something.

She progressed to The University of Salford to study Professional Dance, building her career on her way to owning her own dance company.