Arya Jugernarth

At the tender age of four, my Mum enrolled me in vocal lessons, setting the foundation for a journey that would shape my greatest passion. Initially, I was shy and intimidated by my teacher, unsure of what to expect. However, as I continued with the lessons, I grew more comfortable and began to embrace the process. Then came the moment that would change everything. I was informed that I would be performing in front of a live audience at a progress concert which was an event hosted every term by my teacher. The idea of standing alone on a stage, performing a solo in front of a large crowd, utterly terrified me. When the day arrived, dressed in my pink princess dress and tiara, I nervously stepped onto the stage. But something magical happened. As the spotlight hit me, all my fear melted away, and I felt an indescribable sense of belonging. It was in that moment that my passion for performing was born. Soon after, I was enrolled in ballet lessons, and what began as a single dance style gradually blossomed into a love for a wide range of disciplines, including contemporary, hip-hop, jazz, tap, Spanish, and Bollywood. Dancing became more than just movement for me. It was a way to express myself, to tell stories, and to connect with audiences. Alongside dance, I was introduced to drama at the age of six, as it was a subject at school, and I continued to pursue it until Grade 12, where it was one of my final exam subjects. Drama gave me the opportunity to dive into characters and bring narratives to life on stage. To compliment this, I also took Dance Studies as a school subject until the end of my schooling career which deepened my understanding of the theoretical and practical elements of performance. Over the years, as I participated in more performances, my passion for the performing arts only grew stronger. In 2023, I had the privilege of working with a professional theatre company, KickstArt Productions, which is well-known in the Durban area. I played Little Roo in their Winnie the Pooh pantomime. Stepping onto the stage during that production was an exhilarating experience. Every time I embodied Roo’s character, I felt a sense of joy, freedom, and connection. The energy of performing for large audiences, seeing their smiles, and receiving standing ovations reaffirmed why I love being on stage. Performing brings me happiness and is my safe space, my outlet, and where I feel most at home. The performing arts have become an integral part of who I am, and I am eager to continue developing my skills and knowledge in this field. Over the years, I have gained valuable experience through various performances, yet I know there is still so much to learn. Pursuing higher education in the performing arts is not only a natural progression for me but also a vital step in achieving my goal of building a career in this field. I believe that furthering my studies will provide me with the tools and techniques I need to grow as a performer. Beyond the technical skills, I am excited about the opportunity to collaborate with other like-minded individuals who share my passion for performance. I believe that studying the performing arts at a university level will challenge me creatively, push me out of my comfort zone, and allow me to evolve into a diverse performer. Ultimately, I want to use my talents to inspire others, bring joy to audiences, and contribute meaningfully to the world of performing arts. To me, the stage is not just a place of performance but a place of purpose. It is where I feel alive, where my passion thrives, and where I am able to connect with others in the most profound way. This is why I am deeply committed to furthering my studies in the performing arts.