London Contemporary School Graduating Students 2015

lcds.ac.uk School has been preparing young artists for a physically rigorous and highly creative profession for over 45 years. The school ensures that its students are versed in the skills and knowledge that will enable them to achieve success within the professional dance industry, in whatever shape that may take in the future. An education at London Contemporary Dance School is grounded in a culture that celebrates the young emergent artistic voice, which gives it space, acknowledgment and above all works to develop its uniqueness.

2 3 4 Graduation Performances 2015 repertoire GRADUATION PERFORMANCES 2015 REPERTOIRE render akin Shay Kuebler

Shay Kuebler began his artistic development at the age of five with dramatic arts at Stage Polaris Theatre Academy, and with martial arts in Shito-Ryu Karate. His early artistic growth would lead to dance and a versatile background in hip hop, jazz, tap, contemporary and . He continues to pursue and develop his artistic range and versatility, which has led him to travel and study music, dance and martial arts in Japan, Brazil and . The range to his artistic background has seen him perform and create for artists such as Neil Young and Naughty By Nature, alongwith numerous tap, hip hop and contemporary companies 5 across Canada including Decidedly Jazz Danceworks, Les Grands Ballet Canadiens, and Citieballet. With his Original Music: Shay Kuebler Performers: Jordan Ajadi, Nicole Chapman, Annie Fox, unique choreographic ability he has Katrina Madrilejo, Deepraj Singh, Freya Spencer, Jack been commissioned for numerous Wallace, Letitia Wilkinson, Jack Lewis Williams festivals including The Canada Dance Original score Shay Kuebler Costume design and making: Lydia Cawson Festival, The International Dance Festival of Brazil, and The Baalbek Arts render akin explores elements of the individual within the group, wherein the play between the mass and momentum Festival in Lebanon. He co-founded of the group alters and affects the individual. From this, The 605 Collective in 2006 and is the how does the individual transform and translate their founder and current Artistic Director path in order to maintain a . Some themes explored included radio system sciences such as reception, of Shay Kuebler and Radical System transmission and relay, and their translation through the Art in Vancouver, Canada. individual and the group.

Thank you to David Steele and James MacGillivray. shaykuebler.com

p.11 p.13 p.22 p.30 p.39 p.41 p.44 p.45 p.47 Dancers GRADUATION PERFORMANCES 2015 REPERTOIRE Told and Collapsed Kerry Nicholls

Kerry Nicholls has taught, choreographed, mentored and performed for numerous dance companies and institutions worldwide, and her experience spans a diverse dance practice spectrum.

Kerry has received many choreographic commissions within Europe, Cuba, China and the USA, and has directed various projects at London venues such as the National Theatre, the Royal House and the Royal Festival Hall.

Kerry was appointed Co-Director

of Creative Learning for Wayne Performers: Jemima Brown, Luke Crook, Antony Daly McGregor | Random Dance in 2007 Luna, Jordan Harapiak, Hanna Lyn Hughes, Mari Ishida, 6 and artistic advisor at The BRIT Kathryn Kelly, Sophie Georgina Morgan, Kyan Namazi, Kieran Page school in 2012. Currently, Kerry is an Music: Soothe, Kira Kira; Gravity, Roly Porter; Drohne, external assessor for both the English David Walters; Flex, Ben Frost; Incessans, David Walters; I lie, David Lang National Ballet School and the Royal Costume design and making: Frances Morris Ballet School, and is a regular mentor for the Royal Opera House, ENB, Inspired by the last moments that the Rosenberg's spent together in 1953. Dance UK, Rambert and Youth Dance England. She is Artistic Director for With special thanks to the dancers for their enthusiastic National Youth Dance Wales 2015 and contribution and talents, and to David Walters for his frequency matching. is director and owner of Kerry Nicholls Dance, embodying the values and spirit of the brand which launched in autumn 2012.

kerrynicholls.com

p.12 p.17 p.18 p.25 p.26 p.27 p.28 p.32 p.33 p.35 Dancers GRADUATION PERFORMANCES 2015 REPERTOIRE WOLVES WILL BE WATCHING Igor & Moreno

Igor Urzelai and Moreno Solinas are two London-based artists making and presenting dance performances internationally. They studied dance together at London Contemporary Dance School. Their work is characterised by their interest in the moving body and the immediacy of action as a vehicle for meaning, ideas and desires. Igor and Moreno have presented work extensively in Europe and USA, receiving nominations, winning awards, and commissions. Their work has been supported by a number of organisations throughout Europe and the . They have continued to create works individually and are currently Work Place Artists at The Place. igorandmoreno.com 7 Devised and performed by: Antonin Chediny, Benjamin Eagles, Fadi Eid, Laura Lorenzi, Lucie Mazzi, Amarnah Osajivbe-Amuludun, Jack Sergison, Ania Varez Costume design and making: Sophie Bellin Hansen Music: オレンシャーシャー (ヌンチャク); Hang On Little Tomato, Pink Martini; with additional devised soundscapes

WOLVES WILL BE WATCHING channels the feelings of uncertainty and excitement of the moments just before stepping on stage, starting a new chapter or deciding which path to take at the crossroads of our lives. This work was generated thanks to this particular group of people coming together. Igor and Moreno offered a series of frameworks and stimuli and the performers offered their own knowledge and creativity; together we want to celebrate our bodies, minds, strengths and fragility.

References include Guy Bourdin, John Waters, David La Chapelle, Cindy Sherman, David Hoyle, The Annoying Orange and World Press Photo exhibitions.

Thanks to Lola Maury, Seth Rook Williams, Eleanor Sikorski, Daniel Persson and the production team.

p.14 p.19 p.20 p.29 p.31 p.34 p.38 p.43 Dancers GRADUATION PERFORMANCES 2015 REPERTOIRE A smile petal Renaud Wiser

Renaud Wiser is a London based choreographer. A former dancer with the Ballet du Grand Theatre de Genève, the Ballet National de Marseille, The Gothenburg Ballet, Rambert and Bonachela Dance Company, he is the Artistic Director of Renaud Wiser Dance Company and a founder-member of New Movement Collective (nominee at the 2013 and 2014 Critics Circle National Dance Awards and associate company at Rambert). Renaud has recently created Who Killed Bambi?, a Dance City commission which premiered in February. In July Renaud will be in residence at the Barbican with New Concept and : Renaud Wiser with input from the cast Movement Collective, as part of Station Performers: David Colley, Ruby Embley, Laura Ginatempo, 8 to Station: A 30 Day Happening. Alice Hall, Théo Pendle, Ellis Saul, Yanaëlle Thiran, Benjamin Wisken, Katarzyna Witek renaudwiser.com Music: Nine Inch Nails, David Lang and Abel Meeropol Costume design and making: Sara Rigden

p.15 p.21 p.23 p.24 p.36 p.37 p.42 p.48 p.61 Dancers GRADUATION PERFORMANCES 2015 REPERTOIRE

Coin Something familiar Choreography: Antony Daly Luna Choreography: Jessie Roberts-Smith with Camera Operator and Editor: Chris Brooker Sara Augieras, Yue Tong Kwan, Maeve Performers: Courtney Barth, Lucie Mazzi, McGreevy and Tamzin O'Garro Freya Spencer Performance: Sara Augieras, Jessie Roberts- Music: Whisps of Whorls, Kevin Macleod Smith, Tamzin O'Garro and Yue Tong Kwan Costume design: Frances Morris Music: Milord, Édith Piaf; Le labyrinth, Colleen; Sound recording sung by Sara Drawn Augieras, recorded by Jessie Roberts-Smith Choreography: Ellis Saul Design: Amy Jenkins Southern Shadows Performers: Alice Hall, Jordan Harapiak, Choreography and performance: Madeleine Kyan Namazi, Ellis Saul Jonsson and Sara Augieras Music: Narrow, Paul Corley Music: Experiences No.2, John Cage, performed by Andrea Fullington (Voice) Drii Words: e.e. cummings Direction/Performance/sound score/ cinematography: Clare Schweitzer The Distress of Destruction Choreography and performance: Lewis Cooke _et Music: The Dead Flag Blues, Godspeed You! Choreography and performance: Jimmy Black Emperor Adams, Robert Hemming, Bun Kobayashi 9 Music: Rage Against the Machine: The old, the done, the experienced Bombtrack Choreography and performance: Alethia Antonia Galar Music: Call by Julianna Barwick with Choreography and performance: Hanna additional text written by Alethia Antonia Hughes Music: Memento by James MacMillan, Twin High Maintenance Machine performed by The Smith Quartet Choreography and performance: Ellen Slatkin and Yue Tong Kwan Hymnos Music: Experiences No.2, John Cage, Choreography: Richard Alston performed by Andrea Fullington (Voice) Restaged by: Kate Price Words: e.e. cummings Performance: David Colley, Laura Ginatempo, Alice Hall, Kieran Page WITHOUT Music: Peter Maxwell Davies Choreography: Connor Williams Original Score: Christopher McCormack OTHER Dancers: Laura Lorenzi, Katrina Madrilejo, Choreography: David Colley Benjamin Eagles, Mari Ishida Performance: Ellis Saul and Jack Williams Music: Will Newell, Violin; Yi Ning Liao, Violin; Music: August Evenings by Elskavon Chin-Cheng Chuang, Violin; Clare Simmonds, Piano; Vonald Chow, Percussion; Sending off Chris McCormack, Electronics Choreography and Performance: Théo Pendle and Jack Sergison Music: The Echoing Green, The Gentleman Losers 10 BA(Hons) in Contemporary Dance

Jordan Ajadi Sophie Georgina Morgan Jemima Brown Kyan Namazi Nicole Chapman Amarnah Osajivbe- Antonin Chediny Amuludun David Colley Kieran Page Giulia Coti Zelati Théo Pendle Luke Crook Ellis Saul Antony Daly Luna Jack Sergison Benjamin Eagles Deepraj Singh Fadi Eid Josie Sinnadurai Ruby Embley Freya Spencer Annie Fox Yanaëlle Thiran Laura Ginatempo Ania Varez Alice Hall Jack Wallace Jordan Harapiak Letitia Wilkinson Hanna Lyn Hughes Connor Williams Mari Ishida Jack Lewis Williams Katie Kelly Benjamin Wisken Laura Lorenzi Katrina Madrilejo Lucie Mazzi BA(Hons) in Contemporary Dance Jordan Ajadi 11

Nationality: British

Before London Contemporary Dance School: Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Performing Arts (Dance), BRIT School for Performing Arts & Technology

Jordan has a hard working mentality, athletic range, enthusiasm and eagerness to constantly improve. He took on the role of assistant choreographer at Newham Olympic Carnival in 2012, performed in Europe during the Stockholm Fringe Festival, and more recently in Resolution! at The Place. He received the Peggy Hawkins Scholarship and won the Youth Dance England young choreographer’s award. Jordan is looking forward to inspire others to dance and giving back to the dance community. 12 Jemima Brown

Nationality: British

Before London Contemporary Dance School: Three Advanced GCE Levels in Music, Performing Arts and Physical Education, Hunterhouse College, Ireland Grade 8 Classical Ballet, Susan McMillan School of Ballet, Bangor

Jemima is a highly energetic dancer with a great range of dynamics, she is hard working, committed and motivated throughout her work. Jemima worked with the choreographer Hofesh Shechter before joining London Contemporary Dance School and performed his work Tank at Queen Elizabeth Hall and Royal Festival Hall. Jemima is a member of Avant Garde Dance and will be working with Tony Adigun on a major new production for 2016. She will be touring the UK with Joss Arnott Dance, presenting a Triple Bill alongside composer and percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie and working with Tony Adigun on a major new production for 2016. Nicole Chapman 13

Nationality: British/American

Before London Contemporary Dance School: Foundation Diploma in Contemporary Dance, Northern School of Contemporary Dance, Leeds

Nicole is a versatile, expressive performer with a fluid, grounded movement style and strong technique. She has performed nationally and internationally in a variety of genres, including most recently performing an original work by MADBoots Dance Company whilst studying at Purchase College, New York as part of the School’s exchange programme. In the future she plans to travel and work on small dance projects around the world. 14 Antonin Chediny

Nationality: French

Before London Contemporary Dance School: Examen d’Aptitude Technique, Ecole Nationale Superieure de Danse de Marseille Baccalaureat in Economy, Lycee du Mirail

Antonin is a bold a charismatic dancer, skilled in performing technical and theatrical roles. He took part in a research project with Punchdruk as part of National Theatre Young Studio, working with actors, writers, and architects. Antonin was awarded the Peggy Hawkins Scholarship for outstanding potential as a dancer. He hopes to pursue a career as a performer in varied companies across the world as well as developing his own collaborative work. David Colley 15

Nationality: British

Before London Contemporary Dance School: GCE Advanced Level in dance & BTEC National Ext Diploma in performing arts: Dance, South Downs College, Portsmouth

David is a well-rounded performer with skill in release, Cunningham and contact improvisation based work, he has a strong choreographic mind with a particular interest in working with set design. He has performed at Buckingham Palace in an extract of Richard Alston’s Gypsy Mixture, and was awarded the Charlotte Kirkpatrick Award. More recently he was selected to be part of a choreographic platform showcasing the work of emerging dance artists. After completing his studies at the School David will be joining Company Chameleon for a postgraduate apprenticeship. In the future he hopes to persue his own choreography. 16 Giulia Coti Zelati

Nationality: Italian

Before London Contemporary Dance School: Diploma in Dance (intermediate level), LabArt Dance TCS

Giulia is an intelligent, expressive and versatile performer, who has an open mind when approaching the creative process. A fluid and dynamic mover, she is committed to the works and projects she is part of, resulting in an enthusiastic, honest and empathetic performance. Giulia performed as part of Resolution! at The Place and at Sadler’s Wells in Polaris by Crystal Pite. She is passionate about teaching, and regularly teaches ballet and contemporary technique. Giulia is interested in broadening her performance skills and her versatility, she is particularly interested in physical theatre and dance for camera. She hopes to perform worldwide whilst pursuing her own projects and teaching. Luke Crook 17

Nationality: British

Before London Contemporary Dance School: BTEC Extended Level Diploma in Dance and GCE A Level Dance, Truro College, Cornwall

Luke is a notably technical and lucid dancer who pays attention to detail in his performance. He is a passionate dancer who enjoys discovering new possibilities through improvisation. Recently he performed Polaris by Crystal Pite at Sadler’s Wells. Upon graduation Luke will be joining London Contemporary Ballet Theatre. 18 Antony Daly Luna

Nationality: British

Before London Contemporary Dance School: Three GCE Advanced Levels including Drama, Forest School Sixth Form, London

Antony is a quirky performer with a distinctive dance style and a keen interest in choreographing work with a fantasy-like twist. Throughout his training, he has taken much pleasure in developing his own movement vocabulary through working with renowned choreographers such as Didy Veldman, Delphine Gaborit and Crystal Pite. In the future he would ultimately like to choreograph his own work but first, he will join Akram Khan's AKX and Sweetshop Tigers, the apprentice scheme run by artist Sally Marie. Benjamin Eagles 19

Nationality: British

Before London Contemporary Dance School: Foundation Diploma in Contemporary Dance, Northern School of Contemporary Dance, Leeds

Benjamin is a dynamic and energetic mover with a love of performance. He has performed nationally in both small and large scale venues on a number of different projects. In the future, Benjamin would like to explore a variety of movement while performing around the world in a touring company. 20 Fadi Eid

Nationality: Lebanese/British

Before London Contemporary Dance School: BA (Hons) in Law, The University of Law, London Baccalaureate in Sociology and Economics, Collège Mont La Salle, Lebanon

Fadi is a creative and versatile performer who enjoys pushing boundaries and exploring the theatrical side of dance. He enjoys partner work, acting and improvising. His aim is to promote dance in the Middle East, he has performed with the Beirut Dance Company in Beirut and Jordan. As part of the School’s exchange programme, Fadi studied at the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts). Fadi would like to join a touring dance company and will be collaborating with the Beirut Dance Company to stage work in Beirut and Paris in December 2015. Ruby Embley 21

Nationality: British

Before London Contemporary Dance School: Three GCE Advanced levels, Camden School for Girls, London

Ruby is a creative and intelligent performer with an interest in making her own work. During her time at the School she has enjoyed collaborating with Wimbledon College of Art and performing in works by Delphine Gaborit and John Ross. She hopes to stay in London, taking part in dance projects while auditioning for companies in the UK and Europe. Ruby is interested in exploring physical theatre, contact improvisation and release based practices. She also hopes to further explore her interests in dance and education psychology through teaching. 22 Annie Fox

Nationality: American/Irish

Before London Contemporary Dance School: High School Diploma, 21st Century Cyber Charter School, Philadelphia, USA

Annie is an enthusiastic, multifaceted dancer, who is open and honest in her approach. She has a strong stage presence, and excels at developing and embodying characters. She has worked with a number of choreographers including Alex Ketley, Christian Burns, Bobbi Jene Smith, and Gerri Houlihan, and this year performed Crystal Pite’s Polaris at Sadler’s Wells. Annie would like to tour the world, performing work which is honest and expressive. She hopes to find a way to merge her varied passions: dance, visual arts, and community. Laura Ginatempo 23

Nationality: Italian

Before London Contemporary Dance School: Diploma in Dance, Accademia Internazionale Coreutica, ,

Laura is a diligent and versatile dancer. Throughout her time at the School she has enjoyed working with a range of choreographers including Crystal Pite and Didy Veldman. Laura will be joining CaraBdanza Dance Company in Madrid, as an apprentice dancer. 24 Alice Hall

Nationality: British

Before London Contemporary Dance School: Access to HE Diploma in Contemporary Dance, Northern School of Contemporary Dance, Leeds

Alice is a versatile technician and honest performer with a particular interest in dance for film and fashion. Her most memorable achievements include performing in Crystal Pite’s Polaris at Sadler's Wells and collaborating with London College of Fashion graduating students to create a short film and interactive performance. In the future Alice plans to continue dancing and creating. She is also invested in the wellbeing of the arts industry in the UK and would like to explore how she can support and nurture it. Jordan Harapiak 25

Nationality: Canadian

Before London Contemporary Dance School: High School Honours Diploma, Etobicoke School of the Arts, Toronto, Canada

Jordan is a versatile and determined dancer, who enjoys taking risks. She loves being challenged and exposed to new things. During her time at the school she enjoyed the experience of working with Crystal Pite and performing Polaris at Sadler's Wells. Upon completing her course Jordan will join JV2 where she will have the opportunity to train as a versatile and multidisciplinary performer, touring nationally alongside Jasmin Vardimon Company. 26 Hanna Lyn Hughes

Nationality: Welsh

Before London Contemporary Dance School: Three GCE Advanced Levels including Drama, Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Plasmawr, Wales Royal Ballet School Junior, Mid and Senior Associate RAD Advanced 1 in Classical Ballet

Hanna is a confident and versatile dancer who likes challenging processes, deeply exploring each role and carrying it through into performance. Her highlights from the past three years at the School include performing Richard Alston’s Gypsy Mixture at Buckingham Palace; demonstrating for Sharon Watson at the BBC Young Dancer of the Year Award press launch; performing Infinite Identities in Heidelburg with the Bundesjugendballet in collaboration with Just Us Dance Theatre and performing Joseph Toonga’s Ours at the 28th International Competition for Choreographers in Hanover. Hanna will join Danish Dance Theatre as an apprentice on the Postgraduate Diploma in Performance at London Contemporary Dance School. Mari Ishida 27

Nationality: Japanese

Before London Contemporary Dance School: Appleby Diploma and Ontario Secondary School Diploma, Appleby College, Canada

Mari is a versatile dancer with a strong background in technical training. During her studies, she has had many exciting opportunities including performing an extract of Richard Alston’s Gypsy Mixture at Buckingham Palace, working with Crystal Pite, Kerry Nicholls and Didy Veldman, and attending international workshops. Mari will be moving to to join IT Dansa, working under the direction of Catherine Allard. In the future, Mari plans to continue developing her own artistry and wishes to perform around the world.. 28 Katie Kelly

Nationality: British

Before London Contemporary Dance School: Three GCE Advanced levels including Theatre Studies and NVQ in Dance, Tring Park School For The Performing Arts

Katie has a broad interest in the performing arts, alongside her love for contemporary dance, she plays the flute, the drums and is a keen tap dancer. She was a Ceccetti ballet scholar, before starting her professional training at Tring Park. Katie performed in the closing ceremony of the 2012 Olympics. As part of the School’s exchange programme she attended California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) where she performed Michelle Dorrances choreography, tap danced, collaborated with composers, and created dance films. Katie is excited for the future and plans to perform, create, collaborate and travel. Laura Lorenzi 29

Nationality: Italian

Before London Contemporary Dance School: GCE Advanced Level Dance, Lewisham College, London Secondary School diploma specialising in Dance, Liceo Coreutico F.A. Bonporti Dance High School, Trento, Italy

Laura is an honest performer, open and receptive to working within a group and with an audience. She is interested in improvisation, partner and voice work and more traditional technical forms. Laura was awarded the Peggy Hawkins Scholarship as a recognition of her talent. She has persued her own creative interests creating a solo installation that explores the concept of identity as a process of change and liberation. Recently, Laura’s interest in collaborative and multi- disciplinary performance work led her to persue a research and and development project in Berlin. On completion of her studies Laura plans on working as a dancer in the UK and across Europe. 30 Katrina Madrilejo

Nationality: Filipino/British

Before London Contemporary Dance School: Four GCE Advanced Level including Dance and Photography, Arts Educational School, London

Katrina is a well-rounded dancer, experienced in performing a wide range of movement styles with a particular interest in physically demanding and dynamic works. She has performed a number of different works which allowed her to develop a variety of skills, the most exciting being able to perform a work by James Cousins during her studies. From September, Katrina will be joining EDge, the postgraduate performance company of London Contemporary Dance School to continue her exploration of contemporary dance. Lucie Mazzi 31

Nationality: French

Before London Contemporary Dance School: Baccalaureate in Literature, Lycée Marseilleveyre, France Examen d’aptitude technique in classical ballet and contemporary dance, Ecole Nationale Supérieure de danse de Marseille, France

Lucie is a skilled performer particularly in improvisation and physical theatre. During her studies she performed Polaris at Sadler’s Wells, a work by Crystal Pite and John Ross’ There, there stranger; both of which have given her some insight into the professional world. As well as being part of the sparse collective, an improvisation group formed of dancers from London Contemporary Dance School, Lucie will be joining Jasmin Vardimon 2 in October. 32 Sophie Georgina Morgan

Nationality: British

Before London Contemporary Dance School: Three GCE Advanced Levels including Drama, Ibstock Place School, Roehampton Advanced 2 RAD Classical Ballet, Susan Robinson School of Ballet, Woking Richmond Dance Festival 1st Place All England Young Dancer of the Year (2012), Susan Robinson School of ballet

Sophie has a strong physique and combines her technical skills with a passion for collaborative work. She recently performed Polaris choreographed by Crystal Pite at Sadler's Wells and Sophie will join the International Open Program at Peridance Centre, New York. Kyan Namazi 33

Nationality: British

Before London Contemporary Dance School: BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Dance Studies, Liverpool Community College

Kyan is a powerful, charismatic and versatile performer, with an enthusiasm for creating dynamic choreography. He was selected to perform at the Rugby League World Cup Opening Ceremony in Cardiff and at the semi-finals in Wembley to an audience of 90,000 people. In the future Kyan plans to further his physical training in America upon graduating, with the intention of join a touring company whilst still pursuing his choreographic work. 34 Amarnah Osajivbe-Amuludun

Nationality: British

Before London Contemporary Dance School: Two GCE Advanced Levels including Dance and BTEC National Diploma in Dance and Performing Arts, The Brit School of Performing Arts and Technology, London

Amarnah has a strong performance presence and enjoys working with voice and movement simultaneously. Amarnah likes to test the boundaries between the roles of audience and performer while engaging with fellow artists. Amarnah attended the Danish National School of Performing Arts where she furthered her understanding in somatic practices in the context of contemporary dance training. She is also a keen choreographer and collaborator and is part of an improvisation collective, The Sparse Collective which took part in a residency with a dance collective at Ponderosa, in Germany.. Amarnah enjoys dancing with live music and plans to continue this interest after her studies. She will move to Leeds in September to join Verve, the postgraduate company of Northern School of Contemporary Dance. Kieran Page 35

Nationality: British

Before London Contemporary Dance School: BTEC Extended Diploma in Dance, Guildford College Centre for Advance Training, The Place, London

Kieran is a very technical, articulate and dynamic performer. Kieran enjoys challenging and physically demanding choreography; he also has a keen interest in immersive improvisation when creating dance. Following graduation Kieran will be working with London Contemporary Ballet Theatre. 36 Théo Pendle

Nationality: French/British

Before London Contemporary Dance School: Diplome d’etudes choregraphiques, Conservatoire a rayonnement regional de Montpellier Agglomeration, France Baccalaureate in Music and Dance (TMD), Lycee Georges Clemenceau, Montpellier, France

Théo is an acrobatic and physical dancer, his critical thinking and creativitiy make him a curious artist. He has studied dance in Mauritius, France and England and believes this variety of approaches and dance philosophies helped him to find a personal movement vocabulary. In the future he plans to continue his collaborative and contact partner work, across artforms including yoga and site specific creations. Théo is starting an online degree in philosophy, will go to Asia to study meditation and understand the relationship between body and mind. Ellis Saul 37

Nationality: British

Before London Contemporary Dance School: Three GCE Advanced Levels including Dance, Dame Allan’s Schools, Newcastle – Upon – Tyne

A versatile dance artist and a strong, expressive performer, Ellis develops an emotional connection to her audiences. She received the Peggy Hawkins Scholarship for outstanding potential as a dance artist and performed Crystal Pite’s Polaris at Sadler’s Wells. In the future, Ellis would like to be involved in performance opportunities as well as traveling and experiencing the dance culture in Europe and America. 38 Jack Sergison

Nationality: British

Before London Contemporary Dance School: Three GCE Advanced Levels including Dance and Theatre Studies, Richard Huish College, Taunton

Jack is a passionate, honest performer; a work-horse, with an inquisitive nature, which leads him to question himself and the work he’s immersed in. He is driven to experiment with choreography and movement to sate his own curiosity. As part of the School’s exchange programme Jack studied at Salzburg Experimental Academy of Dance in Austria, where he explored different methods of refining his choreography to workshop different approaches to multidisciplinary work. He has a keen interest in contact improvisation, teaching class at Feet Off the Ground’s 2014 festival and running a weekly jam at The Place. Jack enjoys devising, performing, motivating and frequently produces his own work. In the future he plans to continue collaborating with challenging, enthused artists. Deepraj Singh 39

Nationality: British

Before London Contemporary Dance School: Three GCE Advanced Levels in Dance, Drama and Music, North Bristol Post 16 Centre Urban, ballet and contemporary training. Pre Vocational training, Centre for Advanced Training, Swindon

Deepraj is an explorative urban improviser with a keen sense of rhythm and beatboxing/vocal percussion skills. His achievements include performing at Buckingham Palace and Sadler’s Wells and receiving the Duke of York Scholarship. His main interests are exploring improvisation techniques and rhythm. In the future Deepraj would like to work in a company which is comfortable using speech/text, that wants to explore dramatic elements within dance. 40 Josie Sinnadurai

Nationality: British

Before London Contemporary Dance School: Six GCE Advanced Levels and Welsh Baccalaureate, Brecon High School, Brecon RAD Intermediate Ballet, Mid-Wales Dance Academy, Brecon Associates, National Dance Company Wales, Cardiff

Josie is highly driven and loves a challenge, she enjoys pushing her body to the limit and performing technically demanding work. She began performing professionally as a dancer at the age of 13 and more recently performed on tour with LC3, the School’s third year performance company. Josie will join National Dance Company Wales as an apprentice dancer on the Postgraduate Diploma in Performance at London Contemporary Dance School. Freya Spencer 41

Nationality: British

Before London Contemporary Dance School: Diploma in Theatre Performance, ISTD Diploma in dance instruction, classical ballet and , The Centre Performing Arts College, Rochester

Freya has trained in tap, jazz and musical theatre and is a versatile dancer with a strong sense of and rhythm. During her studies she has enjoyed experiencing many different ways of working and has performed in Resolution! at The Place and at Sadler’s Wells. Freya has developed her interest in dance with disabled and non disabled artists, taking part in workshops and explorations with companies and practitioners; she intends to continue working in this area after her studies. She will continue her work with the dance groups MoonRising and Illuminate Freedom, who work with visually impaired dancers. In August Freya will join Sweetshop Tigers, the apprenticeship scheme run by artist Sally Marie. 42 Yanaëlle Thiran

Nationality: Belgian

Before London Contemporary Dance School: Certificate of Higher Secondary Education in Contemporary Dance, Lycée Martin V, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium

Yanaëlle is a remarkably dedicated dancer with a quiet strength and grounding, one of her teachers describes her as “a calm whirlwind that loves to turn, with long arms always further reaching”. Her performance experience includes the work of John Ross and Crystal Pite's Polaris at Sadler’s Wells she has also choreographed a short work in collaboration with the composer Thomas Fournil. Determined to never stop learning, she will pursue her education through Dance’s Start Up, an eight month intensive professional training programme in Bologna, Italy, where she intends to make new collaborative works, and initiate more children into dance and to perform. Ania Varez 43

Nationality: Venezuelan/Spanish

Before London Contemporary Dance School: Classical Ballet, Fundacion Ballet de las Americas, Caracas BA in International Business, Universidad Central de Venezuela

Ania enjoys working across the art forms of contemporary dance, physical theatre, improvisation, poetry and performance art. A versatile artist, she’s driven by curiosity and believes in the power of dance to connect people. The recipient of the Charlotte Kirkpatrick Award, Ania attended the Danish National School of Performing Arts as part of the School’s exchange programme. Ania intends to explore different ways of approaching dance practice and performance, to deepen her knowledge of somatics and experiment with different artists from varied fields and further developing her own voice as a dance artist. 44 Jack Wallace

Nationality: British

Before London Contemporary Dance School: Extended BTEC Diploma in Performing Arts (Dance) Level 3, Halesowen College

Jack is an enthusiastic performer, strong technician and improviser, with a creative openness to work. He has worked with professional choreographers including Crystal Pite on Polaris which he performed at Sadler's Wells. Most recently he performed with LC3, the School's third year performance company. In the future, Jack intends to remain in London and work as a freelance dancer. Letitia Wilkinson 45

Nationality: British

Before London Contemporary Dance School: Access to Higher Education Diploma, Performing Arts (Dance), Lewisham College

Letitia is an energetic performer with strong improvisational skills, trained in hip-hop and salsa her movement quality is articulate and grounded. She choreographed and directed a short dance film; has had an artist residency at Ponderosa, Berlin and performed in projects outside of her training at the School. Letitia plans to be based in London as a freelance artist, working on performance projects that challenge her creatively and physically, her on-going interests include Salsa and Dance Theatre. 46 Connor Williams

Nationality: British

Before London Contemporary Dance School: BTEC National Diploma in Performing Arts, two GCE Advanced Levels including Dance, The BRIT School, Selhurst

Connor is a dynamic, charismatic and energetic artist, who likes performing physically and technically challenging work as well as theatrical. He performed Richard Alston’s Gypsy Mixture at Buckingham Palace and collaborated with a composer from Guildhall School of Music and Drama to explore his own choreography. Connor has joined the cast of The Lion King. Jack Lewis Williams 47

Nationality: British

Before London Contemporary Dance School: Three GCE Advanced Levels including Dance and Photography, Barton Peveril College, Eastleigh

Jack is an exceptional physical theatre performer and choreographer, with skills in choreography, improvisation, floor work, spoken word and contact improvisation. As a trained dancer and actor he combines the two art forms to create energetic and exciting works, he also likes to incorporate his skills in photography and music production. Jack has toured to Namibia, Africa with Fuzzy Logic Dance Company. He is currently setting up his own physical theatre company to create work, and tour the UK and Europe, encouraging young people to take up dance or drama in schools through a workshop programme. Upon completion of his studies he intends to persue his performance career auditioning for physical theatre companies. 48 Benjamin Wisken

Nationality: British

Before London Contemporary Dance School: Diploma in Contemporary Dance, three GCE Advanced Levels including Music and Dance, Petroc College, Barnstable

Benjamin is a strong performer of floor work, improvisation and enjoys choreography. He has found freedom through improvisation work, as well as progressing and understanding clearer ways of choreography. Benjamin plans to take a short break from dance to allow him time to reflect on his education and develop as an artist before returning to creating work and performing. Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Dance Studies 49

Tim Blowfield Joanna Karoline Kalm 50 Tim Blowfield

Nationality: British

Before postgraduate study: One Year Certificate in Contemporary Dance, London Contemporary Dance School Diploma in Performing Arts, Doreen Bird College, Sidcup

Tim is a passionate contemporary dance teacher, committed to training the next generation of dance artists. He performed in Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake and The Car-Man, with National Dance Company Wales, and choreographers including Kerry Nicholls, Ben Wright and Lisa Torun, as well as touring his own choreography in the UK. Tim is currently Head of Contemporary Dance at Tring Park School for the Performing Arts, where he has taught for 11 years. He also teaches at Performers College, as well as teaching and examining GCE Advanced Level Dance. Tim hopes to inspire many more dance students as they develop as performers and choreographers, and in the future to lead a thriving dance department or vocational school. Joanna Karoline Kalm 51

Nationality: Estonian

Before postgraduate study: Bachelor of Arts in Humanities and BA in Choreography, Tallinn University, Estonia

Joanna is a very observant person, she enjoys making observations of society and how people act within it. Joanna has learnt various styles but contemporary dance soon became her focus after starting her BA in choreography.In the future she is interested in expanding her choreographic practice within the frame of performance art and the use of objects and text. 52 Postgraduate Diploma in Performance (Apprenticeship)

Simon Donnellon Anders Duckworth Joe George Phoebe Hart Charley Logan Virginia Scudeletti Gabi Serani Chan Sze-wei Katarzyna Witek Postgraduate Diploma in Performance (Apprenticeship) Simon Donnellon 53

Nationality: British

Before postgraduate study: Four GCE Advanced Levels including Dance and Psychology/Dance & Theatre Performance, Winstanley College Foundation in Dance & Theatre Performance, Bird College, Sidcup

Simon has a keen passion for live music and collaborations between music and dance in choreography and performance. He has spent a year as an apprentice dancer with Richard Alston Dance Company and has performed in America and at Sadler's Wells. In the future. After his year with Richard Alston Dance Company he is looking forward to learning and working as a freelance dance artist including creating his own work and collaborating with music artists. 54 Anders Duckworth

Nationality: British/Swedish

Before postgraduate study: BA (Hons) in Contempory Dance, London Contemporary Dance School Foundation Diploma in Art & Design, Totnes School of Art & Design

Anders is a creative, charismatic and playful dancer with a strong physicality and fluidity. He is skilled at contact improvisation and floorwork. He has a particular interest in choreography and the visual arts and the interplay between the two. Anders recently choreographed his second professional work which was shown as part of Resolution! at The Place. Anders performed in a new physical theatre piece by Fionn Cox-Davies and collaborated with students from Central St Martins, Wimbledon College of Art and Northern Film School. The latter project, produced the short film Polystyrene Dreams, which won several awards. Anders will continue performing with Tilted Productions on the new work Belonging(s), and plans to make a dance film and a new work over the six months. Joe George 55

Nationality: British

Before London Contemporary Dance School: BA (Hons) in Ballet and Contemporary Dance, Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance, London

Joe is very open-minded and believes that versatility in dance is very important. He tries to experience as many techniques as possible and uses what he learns to further enhance his physicality and knowledge of his own dancing. Joe is an apprentice dancer with Dansk Danseteater and has been offered a full-time contract, he will join the company later this year. Joe is looking forward to building his professional experience to bridge the gap from a recent graduate to a professional dancer. 56 Phoebe Hart

Nationality: British

Before London Contemporary Dance School: BA (Hons) in Contemporary Dance, Trinity Laban, London

One of Phoebe’s strengths is her versatility, she is very keen to learn new things and strongly believes that we never stop growing. Working alongside the dancers in Richard Alston Dance company so far has been one of her greatest achievements and an experience within which she has continued to develop. Phoebe would like to push herself in other areas of contemporary dance and is very interested in travelling the world and working with different companies. Charley Logan 57

Nationality: British

Before London Contemporary Dance School: BA (Hons) in Contemporary Dance, London Contemporary Dance School

Charley enjoys embracing new challenges both physically and mentally. Her biggest achievement to date has been performing with Danish Dance Theatre as the only dancer in both casts of the company’s latest work for all 40 shows of the Danish tour. Charley has been given the opportunity to work in Denmark with The Black Box Dance Company this Autumn. She also plans to continue working, engaging and gaining new experiences from the contemporary dance world. 58 Virginia Scudeletti

Nationality: Italian

Before London Contemporary Dance School: BA in Dance Theatre Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance Formazione Tersicore DIP Professional Practice course with choreographers from Lyon Conservatoire, ArtEZ Dansacademie, La[Parenthese], Pneuma Dance Company Genova, Italy Classical Studies DIP Liceo C. Colombo, Genova, Italy

Virginia is a dancer and performer with experience and interest in collaborative practices, including orchestras, circus artists, actors and visual artists. During her training at Laban she worked with a variety of choreographers and took part in the Early Works program with Trisha Brown Dance Company. She’s worked freelance in Italy and UK; most recently she performed with Altered Skin Dance Company, for Adam James as part of the Jerwood Open Forest installation, she was part of Biennale Danza in Venice with David Zambrano before joining balletLORENT as an apprentice dancer. Virginia plans to continue freelancing throughout UK and Europe as well as developing her own creative practice. Gabi Serani 59

Nationality: Chilean/British

Before postgraduate study: BA in Contemporary Dance at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, London

Gabi is a committed, creative and sensitive mover, with a strong and very individual performance quality. Her apprenticeship with BalletLORENT provided Gabi with the opportunity and experience to start work as a complete dancer. Gabi plans to continue to take on performance projects and start crafting her own choreographic practice, exploring different medias of performing and movement. 60 Chan Sze-wei

Nationality: Singaporean

Before postgraduate study: Diploma in Dance, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, Singapore BA in Political Science, Columbia University, USA

An independent choreographer and performer, Sze's creative process melds improvisation, collaboration, installation, humour, interactivity, text and Asian dance forms. She has performed her work in Singapore, London, Laos, Taiwan and Indonesia and has worked on the organisation of Contact Festival Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Fang Mae Khong Dance Festival (Laos), the European Contact Improvisation Teachers' Exchange 2015 (France), as well as the networks of Singapore Interdependent Dance and Contact Improvisation Southeast Asia. She is inspired by her participation in the creative processes of Xavier le Roy, Charlotte Engelkes, Ole Khamchanla, Paolo Mangiola, Raka Maitra, Peter Chin and Patricia Toh. Her current research interests include mechanisms of social control, group identity and individual survival. Katarzyna Witek 61

Nationality: Polish

Before postgraduate study: BPA in Contemporary Dance, Northern School of Contemporary Dance Postgraduate Certificate in Physical Theatre, Royal Holloway, University of London

Katarzyna is a captivating and creative performer and an intriguing young choreographer. She has choreographed a feature-length theatre production in collaboration with a composer and a visual artist for six dancers and a 12-piece music ensemble. Later this year Katarzyna will choreograph a new dance production in collaboration with composer Alex Roth and as a performer touring with a new work by the Norwegian based artist Marie Ronold Mathisen. Credits

Graduation Performances 2015 Jovair Longo Sue MacLennan James MacGillivray Production Credits Frances Morris Head of Choreography & Production Co-ordinator Elizabeth Nabarro Sue MacLennan Rick Nodine Head of Third Year and Production Co-ordinator Chisato Ohno James MacGillivray Kate Price Production Manager Ric Mountjoy Sara Rigden Lighting Design Michael Mannion Seth Rook Williams Head of Costume, Senior Lecturer in Design Sasha Roubicek (maternity leave) Sharon Coleman Hilary Stainsby Head of Costume, Senior Lecturer in Design (maternity Jeannie Steele cover) Sara Rigden Gabriela Tropia Designing and making for Kerry Nicholls: Frances Morris Neil Webster Designing and making for Igor and Moreno: Dr Samuel Wilson Sophie Bellin Hansen Jeanne Yasko Designing and making for Shay Kuebler: Lydia Crawson Designing and making for Renaud Wiser: Sara Rigden Costume assistants: Anna Britton, Rosie Armitage, Visiting Lecturers/Artists Simonetta Alessandri Evelien Coleman, Gemma Bishop, Michelle Bristow Richard Alston Technical Manager Graeme McGinty Richard Alston Dance Company 62 Chief technician Marco Cifre Quatresols Amy Bell Projects and Company Manager Will Southworth Hetty Blades Frank Bock London Contemporary Dance School Lyndsey Butcher Principal Professor Veronica Lewis MBE Riccardo Buscarini Vice Principal and Director of Studies David Steele Theo Clinkard Director of Postgraduate Programmes Dr Mary Evelyn Seke Chimuteugwende Director of Student Services & International Claire Cunningham Development Mark Tyler Jorge Crecis Pippa Duke Thomas Hands London Contemporary Dance Hannah Kidd School Faculty Susan Klein Shay Kuebler Dr Amanda Bolt Matt Lackford Baptiste Bourgougnon Susanne Lahusen Dr Henrietta Bannerman Martin Lawrance Carolyn Deby Rosemary Lee Raymond Chai Lost Dog Sharon Coleman Katie Lusby Nicky Ellis Michael Mannion Antigone Exton-White Marta Masiero Anna Helsby Lola Maury Tiffany Hore Jamie McCarthy Kim Hutt Leila McMillan Peter Laycock Joe Moran Kerry Nicholls Freddie Opuku-Addaie Wayne Parsons Aurelie Poles Michael Popper Lauren Potter Eva Recacha Liam Riddick Mikael Marso Riviére Heidi Rustgaard Stefano Rosato Mika Sellens Jackie Shemesh Eleanor Sikorski Moreno Solinas Igor Urzelia Jasmin Vardimon Didy Veldman Lewis Wilkins Anna Williams James Wilton 63 Administration Admissions and Registry Manager Cindy Cheung Projects and Company Manager Will Southworth Assistant to the Principal Naomi Thomas School Administrator Naomi White Academic Administration Manager Nicola Campbell

Communications Communications Director Rosie Neave Communications Manager Katie Paling Press & Media Manager Sorcha Hunter Digital Producer Martin Franklin Marketing Manager Caroline Schreiber Communications Assistant Anna-Maria Frastali

Development Director of Development Stephen Clarke Trusts Fundraiser (Maternity cover) Sarah Mannion Trusts Fundraiser (Maternity leave) Graziella Terraciano Development Officer Christine Taylor Fund for Excellence

London Contemporary Dance School encourages applications from talented students regardless of their background or financial circumstances. For this reason we created the Fund for Excellence, which distributes grants to students in need of additional financial support. These awards make a real difference to those who might otherwise not have the resources necessary to complete their training.

The need for the Fund is greater than ever and we rely solely upon generous contributions from trusts 64 and individuals to help our students through their training. Whether you are watching the performance today as a parent, friend, former student or dance enthusiast, with your help we can continue to support those students who are struggling to focus on their studies.

If you would like to make a gift to the Fund please call The Place’s Development Department on 020 7121 1054, email [email protected]. uk or visit theplace.org.uk/development

If you are a UK taxpayer then you can Gift Aid your donation to us. Gift Aid allows us to reclaim an extra 25p in tax from the Inland Revenue for every £1 you give at no additional cost to you. 65 66 Alumni Network Reconnecting London Contemporary Dance School lcds.ac.uk

Since 1969 London Contemporary Dance School has seen almost 3,000 students push the boundaries of contemporary dance in its studios. Many have gone on to found their own companies, become directors of internationally recognised dance organisations and have been acknowledged as outstanding performers. The success of our former students has made the School one of the world’s leading conservatoires.

This year’s graduating students join this network of distinguished dance professionals who continue to shape the future of dance across the globe, and we hope that the School and our growing alumni community will continue to be a source of inspiration to them throughout their career. For 67 this reason we established the Alumni Network which allows former students to keep up to date with developments at the School and access alumni services and benefits.

We are extremely thankful to those alumni who continue to make a substantial contribution to the current student experience by offering workshops, placements and by kindly supporting the Fund for Excellence, which distributes bursaries to students in need of additional financial support. Our alumni are part of the School’s history and future and we hope that this year’s graduates continue to keep in touch with us through the Alumni Network, which they will join upon graduation this autumn. 68 London Contemporary Dance School 2015/16 Performances

Film Collaborations & MA End of Year Season Choreography 2 December 4pm & 8pm Postgraduate Performances: June Music Collaboration 4 & 5 December Our postgraduate choreography students present their work over two Design Collaborations 9 & 10 December nights.

For the past fifteen years the Graduation Performances: July Collaborations have been a landmark Our graduating BA (Hons) and of the London Contemporary Dance Advanced Dance Studies students School performance calendar. These perform as we celebrate their evenings showcase the culmination of achievements at the end of the school three parallel projects in which third year. year choreography students from LCDS are matched either with design On Tour students from Wimbledon College of Art and Design, composers from EDge: March - July 69 Guildhall School of Music and Drama or The postgraduate performance film-makers from Central St Martins. company tour the UK and Europe between March and July and perform Undergraduates In Performance for three nights at the Robin Howard 2 & 3 February Dance Theatre in June. Performance Commissioned and restaged dates will be announced in January works created by professional 2016. choreographers and performed by the third year undergraduate students, LC3: May alongside specially selected student The third year touring company choreography. perform around London colleges, universities and to some professional Postgraduate Choreography and UK venues for four weeks in May. Performance Performance dates will be announced March in March 2016. Postgraduate choreography students present their work alongside a Online preview of EDge, the postgraduate A number of live stream events will performance company. take place through the year and are available to watch free of charge Undergraduates In Performance online. Visit lcds.ac.uk/live to watch. March Newly commissioned professional works and student choreography Located in the heart of London, The Place is the UK’s premiere centre for contemporary dance.

The Place unites dance training, creation and performance in our unique, purpose-built centre, which houses some of the best studios in the city. For over 45 years, we have been a vibrant hub of dance activity, a centre of creative and technical excellence and a magnet for aspiring dancers, talented professionals and cutting-edge choreographers from all over the world.

Our organisation includes a school for full-time vocational dance training, the country’s busiest dance theatre, an internationally acclaimed touring company, an extensive range of participatory programmes for adults and young people and ongoing support and 70 professional development for artists.

The Place has an outstanding track record as a seedbed for developing new choreographic talent, having nurtured and supported many of the UK’s most outstanding choreographers long before they became well-known successes. The Place gives the widest possible opportunities for everyone to participate in dance, training professionals and enthusiasts of all ages, from 5 to 95 years old. We offer access and support not only to the exceptionally talented, but equally to those who simply love to dance.

theplace.org.uk 71 The Place is a registered charity no. 250216

Cover image: Nicole Guarino Other images: Lucas Adamson, Camilla Greenwell, Nicole Guarino, Benedict Johnson, Pari Naderi, Tim Hawkins, Tom Medwell, Ione Saizar, Karolina Turek

London Contemporary Dance School’s Fund for Excellence is supported by:

Craignish Trust, The Eranda Foundation, The Fenton Arts Trust, The Prince Andrew Charitable Trust, Simon’s Charity, The South Square Trust, The Stanley Picker Trust, The Turtleton Charitable Trust.

Charlotte Kirkpatrick Awards, Duke of York Scholarship Fund, Lunn Prothero Fund, Peggy Hawkins Scholarship Fund

The Place, 17 Duke’s Road London WC1H 9PY lcds.ac.uk

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