A dancer who studied at Buckinghamshire New University is now performing to large crowds all over the globe.

Emilee Platts, 29, graduated from the university in 2018 and has since turned her passion into a vibrant career that spans continents and cultures.

Ms Platts regularly performs at luxury resorts and major international events across Europe, Asia, and Africa, including high-profile shows in Egypt and Greece.

One of her most memorable appearances was as a cheerleader at the Indian Premier League, where she entertained a packed stadium of more than 130,000 fans.

Ms Platts 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."

She has also performed at Indian weddings, which she described as “on a completely different scale to anything you usually see in the UK,” with audiences ranging from 300 to 1,000 guests.

Despite not having formal training in Bollywood dance, Ms Platts credited her course with giving her the adaptability to pick up new styles quickly.

She took the BA (Hons) Dance & Performance degree at BNU.

She said: "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."

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Since graduating, she has performed regularly in Turkey, Egypt, and Greece, delivering high-energy shows in resorts and venues.

Despite the glamour of international work, Ms Platts stressed that the reality can be demanding.

She said: "It’s long hours and physically demanding – you have to make it look easy.

"Working in different cultures can be challenging at times."

Her time abroad has pushed her out of her comfort zone and required her to adapt quickly to new environments.

Ms Platts said her "made it" moment was not a single event, but rather recognising how much she has grown in her career.

She is now considering a future in the fitness industry alongside performing, mindful of the physical demands of dance.

Ms Platts encouraged aspiring dancers to stay persistent.

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, said: "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."