Northern School of Contemporary Dance Prospectus 2015–17 Contents Welcome 1 Welcome Our mission at NSCD is to provide an inspirational learning environment that Life at NSCD 5 enables aspiring contemporary dance About NSCD 6 artists to train in a place that values them Why Choose NSCD? 7 as individuals, regardless of their background. Living in Leeds 9 We appreciate our diverse staff and student Your Career in Contemporary Dance 10 body that enriches and broadens the learning Our Graduates 12 experience available here. We also recognise NSCD Around the World 14 the importance of inclusivity in our learning Our Courses 19 environment, with staff working together Overview 20 to effectively support students’ individual Foundation Course 21 development as aware and creative dance in Contemporary Dance practitioners, ready to contribute to society BPA (Hons) in Contemporary Dance 22 through their art and good citizenship. Postgraduate Diploma/MA 24 Continued on page 3 in Contemporary Dance Supporting Your Studies 31 Student Support 32 Facilities 33 Teaching Staff 34 Conservatoire for Dance 36 and Drama (CDD) How to Apply 43 Applying and Auditioning 44 Fees and Finance 45 Maps and Directions 46 Captions and Credits 48 If you require the text of this prospectus in other formats, for example large print or audiotape, please contact – [email protected] www.nscd.ac.uk www.youtube.com/northernschool www.facebook.com/northernschool www.twitter.com/northernschool Front cover – Final year student Shelley Haden performing a solo piece. This page – Second year student Joshua Wild performing (pix)elate choreographed by Odette Hughes. 1 We have excellent teachers, An enhanced focus on preparing Our graduates go on to wide- many of whom are also practicing students to forge independent ranging careers across the dance artists, all of whom are highly sustainable careers within the and arts industry. They can be committed to enabling our evolving dance ecology ensures found internationally, leading students in realising their full students have the best possible a variety of dance companies. potential. Guest teachers and opportunity to build a broad Some of our alumni also go choreographers also regularly understanding of the profession, on to transfer their skills and contribute to the curriculum, balanced with their individual have successful careers in enriching our students’ learning interests. Independence is arts leadership, arts education, with their variety and experience. encouraged, and through both arts management, physical curricular and extra-curricular therapies, as well as health NSCD is proud to operate as activity our students gain career- and nutrition. A thorough an outward-facing cultural hub, enhancing skills, including self- dance training and education with an active L&P department. management and presentation, builds many transferable skills One of NSCD’s greatest attributes organisation, networking and and instils the discipline needed is The Riley Theatre, an on-site, business skills, which prepare to achieve innumerable goals dedicated dance venue them for successful entry into and fulfil potential. around which, our building was the dance industry. architecturally developed. In this We recognise the process space we programme leading Our teaching and learning of making mistakes and being professional dance companies process is rigourous and the given the space to fail are alongside the dance artists of work is physically and intrinsic to learning and artistic the future, as well as maintaining intellectually challenging; this development. The open and a strong link with the local demands commitment and supportive environment at community through outreach dedication. We are aware NSCD makes the school a classes and activities. that students can sometimes safe place to take creative Second year students Sarah experience difficulty during this risks – and to be brave enough Pringle (front) and Eleni The student voice plays a key role intense period of study and may to become outstanding. Dance Gavrielidou (back) rehearsing Les Folles choreographed by in our organisation’s development encounter injury, technological, is transformational and, above Carlos Pons Guerra. and keeps programmes of financial, housing or personal all, our graduates tell us that learning and academic support issues. We offer support via an coming to Northern School current and relevant to their effective tutorial system, as well of Contemporary Dance needs. Our teaching builds as a dedicated team of staff transformed their lives. curiosity and experimentation, across all departments, ready to self-motivation and self-discovery, offer support or advice if needed. whilst embedding the rigourous Janet Smith discipline of conservatoire- Students are encouraged to Principal level dance training. Research, network and participate in dance creativity and innovation are across the region; Leeds is the encouraged within all areas of major UK dance hub outside the curriculum, and our staff London. A growing number of endeavour to support our graduates now choose to stay students in their independent in the area and forge freelance and critical thinking. Our overall careers in the city’s thriving and mission is to empower the next collaborative arts scene. In 2014, generation of dancers and dance a number of dance organisations makers to shape the future of came together to recognise the art form. Leeds as a City of Dance and we hope to strengthen and develop this in coming years. NSCD has also forged strong links with the renowned Leeds College of Art and Leeds College of Music, and hopes to maintain diversity in existing and future collaborations. Students performing in a piece created as part of the collaboration between NSCD and FRESH North East 3 Life at NSCD About NSCD 6 Why Choose NSCD? 7 Living in Leeds 9 Your Career in Contemporary Dance 10 Our Graduates 12 International Students 14 “NSCD is the most fulfilling and infectiously creative environment. I spend my days surrounded by people who love dance, but whose approach and reasons for doing it are excitingly diverse. Everyone’s individual talents are fostered and developed by inspiring staff who give relevant and heart-felt guidance.” Final year student Kyle Lawson near the canal side in Leeds city centre. Marianne Tuckman, second year degree student 5 About NSCD NSCD is an international centre of excellence Why Choose Housed in a vibrant local neighbourhood of offering specialist, conservatoire-level dance Leeds, a 15-minute walk from the city centre, education in an intimate and bespoke setting. NSCD? our home is a bespoke architectural site, based Based in Leeds, we attract the most talented around a Grade II listed former synagogue. and committed students locally, nationally and internationally. Taster days provide access to classes and the opportunity to talk to staff and students. Prospective students can find further details at www.nscd.ac.uk. NSCD hosts just over 200 internationally, whatever their The School also regularly Top 10 Reasons – Value for money. Leeds has – A growing international full-time students. Its Further backgrounds. Dance talent hosts regionally based artists been voted one of the most reputation that attracts and Higher Education provision crosses boundaries of social, for rehearsal periods, building to Choose NSCD cost effective places to study individuals from across the UK, encompasses courses at economic, educational, links with professionals in the – Practice-based training in Britain Europe and worldwide. NSCD’s foundation, undergraduate and geographic and ethnic difference. dance community, who offer incorporating daily technique current student population – Teaching staff are highly postgraduate level. At 75% of the extra-curricular activities to classes, plenty of time in comes from 26 different experienced arts professionals whole cohort, those enrolled on The diversity in our student NSCD students, including the studio and regular countries, with 30% of students and ensure that our students the undergraduate degree course body enriches the life of the workshops, careers talks and performance opportunities coming from outside the UK receive expert coaching represent the largest sector of school, feeding creativity and open classes/rehearsals and – Friendly atmosphere and advice – State-of-the-art training the student body. the cross-fertilisation of ideas. auditions. A breadth of activity in which students feel part facilities include 7 large dance We encourage anyone worried across the dance and arts – A diverse, creative and intimate of a community studios plus a superb theatre, about student finance to seek community provides a myriad of environment where full-time Access and Value lighting studio, café further information on our developmental and employment – Outstanding support and students interact with visiting and a well-stocked library The vast majority of students website as the school offers opportunities for our encouragement for different professional companies, local will not be required to pay the a package of financial support. students and graduates. kinds of learners. Our student artists and community class – A diverse student population. full cost of intensive professional learning support, particularly participants of all ages We welcome applicants from training; information on student Breadth of “There’s a great for students with dyslexia and a wide variety of backgrounds contributions to fees can be or dyspraxia, is exemplary for – Opportunities