Hello

Hi, my name is Mariia. I was born and raised in Ukraine. 

At the age of seven, I started exploring modern dance styles like hip hop and jazz funk, and by fourteen, I had transitioned into a professional dancer. Throughout my journey, I've been fortunate to perform in numerous concerts, compete in events like World of Dance with my team JEF, and feature in video clips and TV shows worldwide. It was during these experiences that I developed a keen interest in the media industry, finding inspiration in the creative process.

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In 2019, I successfully auditioned for the renowned dance team Light Balance, leading to our participation in America's Got Talent—an unforgettable milestone in my career. Achieving the Golden Buzzer and becoming finalists was a dream come true. Witnessing the behind-the-scenes process of the show and the overall business operations sparked my fascination with the media field.

Several years later, amidst the challenges faced by my native Ukraine, my team and I returned to compete in America’s Got Talent All Stars in 2022. This time, our journey carried a deeper significance, as it coincided with the turmoil in our country. Winning third place, including a Golden Buzzer, provided not only a platform to showcase our talent but also an opportunity to shed light on Ukraine's struggles to a global audience.

Observing the production process and engaging with industry professionals underscored the profound impact of media in conveying messages and shaping perceptions. The experience reinforced my desire to pursue a career in the media industry.

I have also participated in shows in France (Game of Talant), Germany (Das Supertalant), Italy (Italy's Got Talant) and Ukraine allowing to understand and learn how different global markets operate.

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 Since moving to the UK a year ago due to hardship in my country, I’ve been committed to continue to expand my media knowledge and skills through engagement with different programs.

Producing video content with Brighter Sound for YouTube developed my expertise in all aspects of content creation, from coming up with ideas, learning equipment to filming, which will benefit me during the Media course. After the programme, I was motivated to learn a number of off-screen roles by gaining a place at the Royal Exchange Theatre, which immersed me in producing, directing, light, set and music design while collaboratively creating a performance with a talented group of actors and writers, further enhancing my communication skills. This inspired me to pursue producing as a career, leading me to join the Contact Theater. As a producer, I was involved in planning, management and marketing to reach people, which resulted in the successful organisation of the Clothes Swap charity event. This spurred me on to join the Official Manchester City Council of Culture, where I am involved in coordinating media and creative sectors with the aim to engage diverse communities, contributing to the development of the vibrant 10-year Manchester strategy to promote these sectors. 

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 Selecting Media Studies expanded my interest in different mediums, their communication forms, global identities, and engagement strategies. The course enabled me to put knowledge into the development of my production skills by directing my own creative projects, such as curating my dance magazine and podcast aimed at specific audiences. I applied my knowledge to tangible projects outside of the classroom by starting a school newspaper with a focus on the well-being of students. Studying business expanded my understanding of media enterprise and how industries operate. Whilst studying psychology helped me to comprehend audiences based on my media theoretical knowledge of psychologists, such as Judith Butler and Albert Bandura. My active participation in the college film and art society broadened my cinematic knowledge of different cultures by regularly visiting cinemas and theatres, reinforcing my passion.

 

Ultimately, my displacement from Ukraine caused major upheavals but provided priceless opportunities that shaped my resilience and adaptive skills, but also reinforced my development in the media studies. I believe my personality, passion and skills make me an asset for this course and my vision will contribute to the growth of the industry, societies, produce meaningful stories and portray the truth.