Saskia Longley / RUNNER UP

BA (Hons) Dance

Saskia came to Salford having studied at vocational ballet school, believing in the transformational power of movement to support social change and improve wellbeing. Having lived with an eating disorder herself, Saskia combines her stunning performances with volunteering to improve outcomes for young people living and recovering from eating disorders. She is a young ambassador for BEAT, the UKs leading eating disorder charity, where her role includes raising awareness of eating disorders and advocating body positivity through social media. Saskia is also an NHS ambassador for CEDS (Community Eating Disorder Service) which sees her speak at parent support groups, facilitating fundraising projects and support groups where artistic activities provide a creative outlet to share experiences.

As a qualified pilates instructor, Saskia took it upon herself to deliver virtual barre and pilates classes to her fellow undergraduates during lockdown. In 2021 she was awarded a place on the Royal Academy of Dance’s PGCE in dance teaching with qualified QTS – the first step towards what we are sure will be a fantastic future ahead.

Saskia says “It means a lot to be shortlisted. I feel privileged to be considered and that my hard work and commitments, outside of and on my university course, are being recognised in a positive way.”

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