If asked the question - what is the best thing about doing what you do? - most of us would be happy to be able to say ‘doing what I love’ or something to that affect. For Jessica Lingotti who studied at AIM in 2008, the answer to that question goes just like this; “the opportunity to do what I love, with the bonus of seeing the world and being surrounded by some of the most talented dancers and musicians that I have ever come across”. Now for a performer, it doesn’t really get any more perfect than that!

Jessica in 'Burn The Floor'. Photography © 2009 Mark Kitaoka

After beginning her studies on a scholarship in the Contemporary Music program majoring in vocals at AIM, Jessica was recruited in 2008 at 18 years of age, to be the lead female vocalist for world renown stage show Burn The Floor, which became a hit on Broadway in July 2009, breaking the box office records at the Longacre Theatre on 48th Street, New York. So much has Jessica found her place, that she describes the company as “being like family”.

During her time as a student, Jessica says that she met some very special people at AIM who she learned a great deal from. One of those people was AIM vocal coach David McLeod.

“David would tell me stories about his own career and how he got through certain situations as a vocalist. He made me a strong person and always supported me. He was tough, but the things he taught me have been invaluable and I still use his techniques to this day. He is such a talented teacher, one who has played a huge role in why I am here today and one I will never forget,” says Jessica.

In the demanding role of a professional performer, Jessica explains that she learned certain skills at AIM, which she put into practice for her audition for Burn The Floor. “I am grateful that I had the opportunity to be a student at AIM. I have been taught by some of the best in the Industry,” adds Jessica.

But it doesn’t end there. Jessica is already giving back to the industry through her involvement with the Talent Development Program, whose objective is to help young Australian performers break into the big time. Jessica recently joined the graduating class of 2010 to perform as a special guest at the TDP Awards in recognition of her outstanding talent and success in the industry. Jessica was on the panel for the master class, which was hosted by leading Record Producer and Musical Director, John Foreman. The panel also featured Sony Music head of A&R, Jay Dee Springbett, Golden Guitar winner and TDP graduate Felicity Urquhart, Australia’s Got Talent Winner Mark Vincent, Agent Tony Grace, Sony Music’s Courtney Hard, stylist Hillary Daniels and many more.

Jessica says that staying motivated and working hard has been pivotal to her success as a performer today. “I performed as often as I could, anywhere and everywhere and when I least expected it, that break came for me. I knew what I wanted, I believed in myself, I worked hard at it and made the most of every opportunity that has come my way”.

For more about Jessica go to http://www.jesslingotti.com/
For more about the TDP go to http://www.talentdevelopmentproject.org.au
For more about the show go to http://www.burnthefloor.com/

For more about the Contemporary Performance program at AIM go to http:www.aim.edu.au/courses/contemporary-performance/