Staging a global career: BNU dance graduate performs for crowds of 130,000
A Buckinghamshire New University (BNU) graduate is performing in front of crowds of up to 130,000 people, building a globe-trotting career spanning Europe, Africa and Asia.
Emilee Platts, 29, now dances in luxury holiday resorts and major international events after graduating from BNU in 2018.
Her career has taken her far beyond the traditional stage – from high-energy performances in Egypt and Greece, to the spectacle of Indian weddings and one of the country’s biggest sporting events.
Her most jaw-dropping moment came when she performed as a cheerleader at the Indian Premier League, in front of a packed stadium of more than 130,000 fans.
Emilee said: “That was one of the most surreal moments. The atmosphere was incredible – everyone cheering, the noise, the scale was so huge that we had to always have security with us.”
The performer has also taken part in lavish Indian weddings, where audiences can reach into the hundreds.
She added: “Some weddings had between 300 and 1,000 guests. They’re on a completely different scale to anything you usually see in the UK.”
Despite never formally training in Bollywood dance at university, Emilee said her degree gave her the versatility to adapt to new styles.
It was this broad approach that first attracted her to the course.
She explained: “We trained in so many different styles that I could pick it up. Bollywood now includes elements of hip hop, so that really helped. That versatility is exactly why I chose this degree. It wasn't just about one style; it was about being ready for the actual industry.”
Since graduating, she has built a career performing for international audiences in holiday hotspots including Turkey, Egypt and Greece – delivering demanding, high-energy shows night after night.
But life as a professional dancer abroad is not always glamorous.
“It’s long hours and physically demanding - you have to make it look easy. Working in different cultures can be challenging at times,” she said.
Living abroad has pushed her outside of her comfort zone, requiring her to adapt quickly to new environments and expectations.
Now, after completing several contracts around the world, Emilee says her “made it” moment didn’t come from a single performance, but from realising how far she has come.
Alongside her performing career, she is now looking to build a future in the fitness industry, recognising the physical demands of life as a professional dancer.
And she has one clear message for students hoping to follow in her footsteps.
She said: “Don’t give up. Opportunities can come out of nowhere – so just keep going and take every chance you can.”
Dr Lauren Vincent, Associate Professor of Education and Dance at BNU, added: "Emilee’s success is a testament to the vocational nature of our dance degrees. We don’t just train dancers; we train global professionals who are ready to step onto any stage in the world, whether that’s a West End theatre or a stadium in India."