Northern School of Contemporary Dance

Northern School of 

Contemporary Dance


Contemporary Dance 

Prospectus 2010/11

David Michel and Emily 

Absalom are pictured 

performing ‘Darkness 

at Noon’, a newly 

commissioned work by 

choreographer Antonia 

Grove (Artistic Director, 

Probe Dance Company). 

David is currently a 

member of Verve 10. 

01. Welcome 

02. Our Courses 

03. Foundation Course in 


04. BPA (Hons) in Contemporary Dance 

05. Postgraduate Diploma in 


06. Postgraduate Diploma/MA 

in Choreography 

07. Our Facilities 

08. Supporting Your Studies 

09. Our Staff 

10. A Career in Contemporary Dance 

11. Our Graduates 

12. Life at NSCD 

13. Living in Leeds 

14. Applying and Auditioning 

15. Fees 

16. Maps and Directions 

The text of this prospectus 

is also available in other 

formats, for example large 

print or audiotape. 

NSCD is a unique dance training institution offering a select 

group of students the opportunity to develop and excel as 

dance artists in a conservatoire environment. 

As you would expect, dance is something we take seriously. 

It’s not one of many different subjects we teach – it’s the only 

subject. Dance is not a passing fad or fashion, it is the reason 

we exist as an organisation. Neither is it something we believe 

can be approached half-heartedly. Dance has to be tackled 

with passion, dedication and energy. 

These are our beliefs. Are they yours

01. 

Welcome 

Founded in 1985 as the first conservatoire dance school 

within the public sector, NSCD offers professional dance 

training for the most talented students, providing access 

regardless of background or financial circumstances. 

02. 

Our Courses 

NSCD offers full-time courses in contemporary dance at 

foundation, degree and postgraduate/MA level. The following 

introductions give a brief outline of the courses on offer. More 

detailed information about each course is available in later 

sections of the prospectus. 

a collaborative arts project 

Filip van Huffel with Verve 09 

workshop with choreographer Henrietta Hale 

In a survey recently conducted by Leeds 

Metropolitan University, 100% of students 

commencing their professional training 

said they would recommend NSCD to 

prospective students. Here are a few 

reasons why: 

– our courses are focused on practicebased 

training, giving students daily 

technique classes and plenty of 

time in the studio; 

– the school offers a friendly atmosphere 

where students are supported to fulfil 

their potential as dance artists; 

– there are regular performance opportunities, 

including informal presentations, in-house 

platforms, site-specific work and full public 

performances in our own theatre and other 

professional venues; 

– our state-of-the-art dance training 

facilities include eight large studios plus a 

superb theatre and a well-stocked library; 

– our teaching staff are highly experienced 

professionals in their chosen field. 

Their unique experience, passion and 

expertise inform our approach to dance 

training ensuring that our students 

receive expert coaching and advice 

on an individual basis. 



www.nscd.ac.uk 

www.youtube.com/northernschool 

Principal and Artistic Director 

– Gurmit Hukam 

Chair of Governors 

– Peter Gruen 

Patrons 

– Akram Khan MBE 

– Darshan Singh Bhuller 

Students of NSCD are also part of the 

Conservatoire for Dance and Drama. 

NSCD is an affiliate school of the 


Students registered at NSCD on funded 

courses are jointly registered with the 


The Conservatoire was established in 

2001 as a new higher education institution 

created to secure the future of professional 

training in dance, drama and circus arts in 

England. It has eight affiliates which are all 

small, specialist schools offering some of 

the best training in dance, drama and circus 

arts to be found in the world. As a publiclyfunded 

higher education institution, the 

Conservatoire ensures that students at its 

affiliate schools receive subsidised training. 

This helps us to achieve our aim of taking 

students based on talent irrespective 

of background. 

As well as NSCD, there are seven 

further Conservatoire schools. 

These are: 

– Bristol Old Vic Theatre School 

www.oldvic.ac.uk 

– Central School of Ballet 

www.centralschoolofballet.co.uk 

– The Circus Space 

www.thecircusspace.co.uk 

– The London Academy of Music 

and Dramatic Art 

www.lamda.org.uk 

– London Contemporary Dance School 

www.theplace.org.uk 

– Rambert School of Ballet and 


www.rambertschool.org.uk 

– Royal Academy of Dramatic Art 

www.rada.org 

Further information about the schools 

and the Conservatoire is available at: 

www.cdd.ac.uk 

rehearsing solo for student showcase 

rehearsals for year one choreographic study 

with Debbie Johnson, Head of Choreography 

Foundation Course in 


This is a full-time one-year course 

providing intensive pre-vocational training 

in contemporary dance performance. It is 

especially suitable for applicants intending 

to pursue professional dance training at 

degree level in the future. The course 

enables the development of technical, 

creative and performance skills to a 

level that allows students to audition for 

conservatoire dance training programmes, 

including NSCD’s BPA (Hons) in 

Contemporary Dance. 

Bachelor of Performing Arts 

(BPA) Honours Degree in 


The three-year BPA degree programme 

is designed specifically for the education 

and training of contemporary dance 

artists. It encompasses in-depth study 

of the technical and creative elements 

of contemporary dance informed by 

contextual and theoretical aspects of the 

discipline. To be considered for this course 

applicants will normally have successfully 

completed 2 ‘A’ levels, a BTEC National 

Diploma, a Foundation Course or an 

equivalent qualification. 

Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) 

in Contemporary Dance 

This programme offers extensive 

professional development opportunities 

through one of three distinct pathways: 

– the Postgraduate Company, Verve, 

which operates as a touring repertory 

dance company; 

– the Graduate Apprenticeship Scheme, 

which includes an extended work 

placement with a professional 

dance company; 

– and the Advanced Training Scheme, 

which provides students with a further 

year of intensive technical training 

and performance opportunities. 

All three pathways provide opportunities 

for students to develop their ability to 

articulate and contextualise their artistic 

understanding through practice, as well 

as through formal academic research. 

The course facilitates the transition from 

training into professional practice by 

focusing on the advancement of existing 

technical, creative and professional skills. 

It is designed for graduates of two or 

three-year contemporary dance training 

programmes or for dance artists with 

some experience. 

Postgraduate Diploma/MA 

in Choreography 

This programme offers students a 

framework through which they can 

significantly develop their choreographic 

work by undertaking advanced research 

and development activities, which 

include exciting opportunities to engage 

collaboratively with artists from other 

disciplines (e.g. composers, visual 

artists, writers and film makers). 

To be considered for this programme 

applicants are normally expected to have 

prior choreographic experience and have 

successfully completed a three year dance 

training programme in the University or 

Conservatoire sector. Entry is by audition, 

interview and the submission of a portfolio 

of choreographic work on DVD. 

The School’s higher education programmes 

are validated by the University of Kent.

Pictured is Gemma Riley 

performing ‘The Forest’ by 

professional choreographer 

Henrietta Hale. Gemma 

graduated from NSCD in 

2009 with a BPA (Hons) in 

Contemporary Dance, and 

is currently a member of 

Verve 10.

Pictured are Leigh Pearce, 

Christina Robinson, Jessica 

Hothersall and Nathalie 

Wahlberg performing 

Glenn Wilkinson’s ‘Niners’. 

‘Niners’ was created in 

Autumn 2008 and then 

became part of the repertory 

programme that Verve 

toured to 19 venues across 

the UK and Internationally, 

to an audience of over 

2500 people. Verve brings 

together talented graduates 

from many different 

conservatoire training 

institutions; the dancers 

pictured formerly trained at 

NSCD, Rambert School of 

Ballet and Contemporary 

Dance and the Royal 

Swedish Ballet School.

03. 



NSCD’s Foundation Course is recognised nationally for 

producing well-trained dancers who are ready to undertake 

further vocational training. Its success is reflected in the high 

number of students securing places on conservatoire training 

programmes or higher education courses across the UK. 

Second year BPA (Hons) 

student Mary Mannion is 

pictured performing Niamh 

Condron’s ‘One by One’ 

which was presented in 

the Student Showcase 

performances, March 09. 

Niamh graduated from 

NSCD in 1999 and is now 

working as a professional 

choreographer, teacher 

and performer. 

This full-time one-year course includes 

contemporary, ballet and supplementary 

technique training and a range of creative 

and performance workshops. Performance 

opportunities take place during the second 

and third terms offering students the 

experience of performing in a Community 

Dance project in local schools and in a 

final showcase at NSCD’s Riley Theatre. 

Students also study dance history and 

develop research and study skills. 

Former students have continued their 

dance training on NSCD’s degree course 

and at other vocational schools including 

London Contemporary Dance School, 

Laban, Rambert School of Ballet and 

Contemporary Dance, Scottish School 

of Contemporary Dance, London Studio 

Centre, Millennium Dance and at a number 

of universities offering dance degrees. 

Entry Requirements 

Applicants should have successfully 

gained a minimum of five GCSEs (including 

English Language) at grade C or above, or 

equivalent qualifications. 

Places are offered to candidates 

demonstrating the greatest potential to 

benefit from the course regardless of their 

previous dance experience. 

Qualification 

Students successfully completing all course 

units will be awarded the Access to Higher 

Education Diploma (Contemporary Dance).

04. 

BPA (Hons) in 


The BPA (Hons) in Contemporary Dance is a full-time threeyear 

training programme which aims to develop versatile dance 

artists with strong technical skills and deep artistic awareness. 

This is achieved through a rigorous curriculum predominantly 

focused on studio-based practice and creative exploration, 

underpinned by key elements of theoretical study. 

year one choreography with Kathinka Walter 


Tilted Productions residency 

The Technical Training 

The range of technical training undertaken 

at NSCD is designed to develop a high 

level of skill and versatility combined with 

an understanding of movement which 

enables the dancer to respond to the 

varied and changing demands of 

contemporary choreography. 

Technique classes offer a holistic approach 

to developing the body as an expressive 

instrument where strength, stamina and 

flexibility are progressed simultaneously. 

Fifteen to twenty hours per week are 

allocated to technique training and 

students are expected to supplement 

this work as necessary with their own 

physical conditioning regime. 

The main technical elements of the course 

are contemporary dance and classical 

ballet, which are normally taught every day. 

In order to develop strength and resilience 

early contemporary classes are normally 

Graham based, with Cunningham based 

technique introduced at a later stage. 

To complement this study students 

also experience a range of Releasebased 

dance techniques and other 

somatic approaches to movement. 

This structured approach is crucial 

to enabling the development of dance 

artists who are both highly skilled 

and adaptable. 

In order to maximise the effectiveness 

of this approach, and to cater for the 

differing levels of experience, NSCD 

operates a ‘vertical streaming’ system. 

Technique classes are taught at seven 

levels, allowing students to be placed at 

the level which best meets their individual 

needs. Progress and application are 

continuously monitored and students may 

be transferred to another level at any time. 

Performance Opportunities 

It is vital for students to make the 

connection between technical training, 

creative exploration and performance. 

Accordingly, performance study draws 

together these elements providing students 

across all year groups with a variety of 

opportunities to perform their own work 

and work created by visiting professional 

choreographers. 

Performance projects are directly 

concerned with preparing students 

for a successful performing career. 

Emphasis is placed on communication 

through performance and on realising 

choreographic ideas and intentions. 

Integral to this approach is an on-going 

programme of visiting professional 

choreographers who introduce students 

to different choreographic methods and 

styles. Completed performance projects 

are presented at NSCD’s Riley Theatre and 

other venues. Further information about 

the professional choreographers who have 

created work for NSCD can be found at 


Choreography 

NSCD’s approach is founded on the 

belief that creative exploration and growth 

are central to the developing dance 

artist. Choreographic study is designed 

to nurture individual artistic expression 

and to challenge and deepen students’ 

understanding of choreographic and 

creative processes. 

The nature of choreography is explored 

through an in-depth investigation of its 

expressive elements and through the 

development of movement language and 

performance contexts. This study is further 

extended through a consideration of the 

relationship between dance and other 

modes of artistic expression such as 

music, visual art and literature. 

Through specific tasks and assignments 

students are encouraged to explore areas 

of individual artistic interest and to develop 

their own choreographic voice. 

Movement Studies 

The Movement Studies course involves 

research into movement as a source 

of individual artistic growth, promoting 

the development of a diverse range of 

physical and expressive skills. Coursework 

also focuses on developing students’ 

ability to generate and experiment with 

new movement material, to reflect on 

the creative processes involved and to 

articulate the findings. 

Contextual Studies 

Contextual study supports the technical, 

creative and performance elements of 

the degree programme. Specific areas 

of study include: 

Year 1 

Critical and Reflective Studies 

An exploration of current contemporary 

dance practice through investigation 

of historical and theoretical perspectives 

and reflection on personal practice. 

Physical Awareness and Development 

A practical and theoretical exploration 

of anatomical and physiological 

considerations for the dancer, including the 

causes and prevention of injury and issues 

related to fitness, nutrition and well-being. 

Year 2 

Ideas in Art 

A study of the wider context of 

contemporary dance and its relationship 

to other art forms such as music, visual 

art, theatre and film. Students can choose 

to build on this study by focusing on 

a specific independent research project 

in their final year. 

Year 3 

Dance Artists in Education 

An opportunity for students to develop 

practical teaching skills that can be 

transferred for use in a range of education 

or community settings. 

Dance and Media Arts 

Students undertake a practical and 

theoretical investigation into the use 

of film and multimedia technologies 

in the creation of dance performance. 

Collaborative Arts Project 

Students have the opportunity to explore 

the nature of collaborative working 

processes through their participation 

in an intensive creative project. This 

project presents the possibility of working 

with artists from other disciplines to 

produce interdisciplinary work which 

may be presented in a variety of 

performance settings. 

Supplementary Courses 

In addition to the taught elements, 

a range of short supplementary 

courses complement studies across 

the programme. These courses provide 

important experiences that draw upon 

key ideas informing contemporary 

dance training and performance 

practice, including disciplines such as 

Physical Theatre, Contact Improvisation, 

Feldenkrais Method and Yoga. 


Entry is through successful audition and 

interview. Normally candidates should 

have attained 5 GCSE passes and 2 ‘A’ 

level passes. Equivalent qualifications such 

as a BTEC National Diploma, 4 Scottish 

Highers or 4 ‘AS’ level passes are also 

acceptable, depending on the strength of 

the grades achieved. If applicants do not 

have the relevant academic qualifications 

a special entry procedure is available. 

Details can be obtained at the audition. 

Contemporary Music 

Designed to develop and extend 

understanding of contemporary music 

and its relationship to choreography 

and performance.

05. 

Postgraduate Diploma 

in Contemporary Dance 

This one-year full-time programme provides an opportunity for 

graduates of vocational training courses, or dance artists with 

some experience, to refine their skills and undertake extensive 

professional development. 

Milan Kozánek rehearsing with Verve 09 

Filip van Huffel rehearsing with Verve 09 

Henri Oguike rehearsing with Verve 08 

Rafael Bonachela rehearsing with Verve 07 

The course is designed to facilitate the 

transition from training into professional 

practice by focusing on the extension of 

existing technical, performance and artistic 

skills. Through this focus it functions as 

a framework in which students can further 

develop as professional dance artists 

whilst increasing their employability and 

career opportunities. 

The course comprises three programme 

pathways, the Postgraduate Company, the 

Graduate Apprenticeship Scheme and the 

Advanced Training Scheme. 



interview. The Postgraduate Diploma is 

open to graduates of two/three year dance 

training programmes at higher education 

level or to dance artists with some 

professional experience. 

Postgraduate Company 

NSCD’s postgraduate company, Verve, 

provides students with professional-level 

experience through working as a member 

of a touring contemporary dance company. 

Verve normally comprises ten to twelve 

dancers and tours a programme of new 

work over a six-month period to a diverse 

range of professional venues throughout 

the UK and selected European cities. 

The course is designed to foster a 

realistic appreciation of working in a 

middle-scale company environment, 

which encompasses participation in 

rehearsal and production processes, 

working with leading choreographers 

and fully meeting the challenges of a 

professional performance schedule. 

This experience also exposes company 

members to the processes involved 

in successfully collaborating with other 

dance artists, directors, composers, 

musicians and designers. 

Choreographers who have worked 

with Verve include: 

Verve 07 

Fin Walker; Glenn Wilkinson; Hofesh 

Shechter; Kim Brandstrup; Rafael 

Bonachela; Shobana Jeyasingh. 

Verve 08 

Carol Brown; Darshan Singh Bhuller; Henri 

Oguike; Simon Birch; Wendy Houstoun. 

Verve 09 

Filip van Huffel; Glenn Wilkinson; 

Jennifer Lynn-Crawford; Leanne Pike; 

Milan Kozánek. 

Verve 10 

David Zambrano; Kathinka Walter; 

Laila Diallo; Luis Lara Malvacías; 

Michael Schumaker. 

Working as part of the Company 

promotes the career development 

of each dance artist by providing 

opportunities for the advanced 

development of individual strengths, 

versatility and artistic distinctiveness. 

Verve’s extended performance tour 

presents the Company to UK and 

European dance audiences including 

invited artistic directors, producers and 

dance commentators. This introduction 

to professional level work may also be 

relevant for dance artists who aspire to 

create their own companies in the future. 

To view the latest information about Verve, 

including the 2010 tour schedule and the 

plans for Verve 11, see the Performance 

section of www.nscd.ac.uk/verve 

“This excellent company danced four 

specially commisioned works that amply 

revealed the talents of the 11 graduates... 

they (each) allowed the qualities of 

individual dancers to shine through.” 

Dancing Times, June 2009 

“Verve…offers interesting content, 

pleasingly diverse rather than deliberately 

varied. The dancers revel in their work 

and watching talent scouts will be 

impressed.” 

Dancing Times, May 2008 

Best International Production 

— ITS Guest Award 2008 

Verve 08, International Theatre School 

Festival (Amsterdam) 

Graduate Apprenticeship Scheme 

The distinctiveness of this pathway 

lies in the opportunity for professional 

development through a work placement 

of between three and seven months with 

a professional dance company as a 

Graduate Apprentice. 

The apprenticeship opportunity allows 

students to experience the processes 

involved in creating, rehearsing, producing 

and touring a professional performance 

programme, including any related education 

and community outreach work. The 

placement experience is supported by a 

programme of intensive technical training 

and movement development workshops 

delivered at NSCD. 

On completion of this pathway students 

will have gained an in-depth understanding 

of the specific ethos and artistic direction 

of their host company, as well as the 

expectations placed on their dancers. 

Professional dance companies 

where students have undertaken 

placements include: 

– ACE dance and music 

– Arc Dance Company 

– Akram Khan Dance Company 

– Attik Dance 

– Ballett Theater München 

– Bonachela Dance Company 

– CandoCo 

– Henri Oguike Dance Company 

– Jasmin Vardimon Dance Company 

– Ludus 

– Motionhouse Dance Theatre 

– Phoenix Dance Theatre 

– Protein Dance 

– Retina Dance 

– Ricochet 

– Scottish Dance Theatre 

– Shobana Jeyasingh Dance Company 

– The Cholmondeleys and The 

Featherstonehaughs 

– Tilted Productions (Maresa von Stockert) 

– Union Dance Company 

A significant number of Apprenticeship 

Scheme graduates have gone on to 

work professionally with one or more of 

the companies listed or have secured 

employment through contacts made 

during the placement. This introduction 

to professional level work may also be 

relevant for dance artists who aspire to 

create their own companies in the future. 

Advanced Training Scheme 

This pathway is designed to help students 

develop their dance technique to the 

level required for entry into professional 

contemporary dance performance. 

Students undertake an intensive training 

programme in contemporary, ballet and 

selected release-based techniques, 

supported by an individually tailored 

physical development programme. The 

pathway also provides opportunities to 

further refine creative and performance 

skills through the creation of a dance piece 

and participation in collaborative projects 

and open choreographic platforms. 

The Advanced Training Scheme equips 

students who have previously undertaken 

contemporary dance training to diploma/ 

degree level with the skills needed 

to enhance their employability in the 

field of professional contemporary 

dance performance. 

Individuals who have worked professionally 

or semi-professionally in a related art form 

(e.g. classical ballet, physical theatre) would 

also benefit from the intensive training and 

contemporary dance performance focus 

of the pathway. 

Students undertake the following 

modules of study: 

Dance Technique 

Designed to develop and extend technical 

skills through intensive training in ballet 

technique and a range of contemporary 

dance techniques. 

Performance Enhancement 

This study complements the technical 

training through the development of a 

practical and theoretical understanding 

of the functional use of the body, focusing 

on its physiological structure and on key 

aspects of fitness, health and physical 

development. Areas of study include 

anatomy and physiology, release-based 

dance techniques and additional practical 

classes in alternative approaches to 

physical training. 

Live Performance 

Performance skills are extended and 

refined through participation in a live 

performance project. This project is 

supported by studio based practical 

workshops where students are encouraged 

to focus on the development of their 

individual strengths and qualities 

as performers.

06. 

Postgraduate Diploma/ 

MA in Choreography 

The Postgraduate Diploma/MA in Choreography is designed 

to facilitate advanced choreographic development through 

its focus on studio-based exploration and practice, which is 

supported and informed by a study and appreciation of how 

dance is created, performed and viewed. 

The course offers students a valuable 

opportunity to interrogate and challenge 

their choreographic practice whilst 

deepening their understanding of how 

their work is located within the wider 

context of current contemporary dance 

practice. This is achieved through 

sustained engagement with choreographic 

experimentation and exploration and by 

students taking responsibility for their 

creative and production processes, 

including the presentation of their work 

and ideas in various performance contexts. 

Throughout the course of study feedback, 

discussion and debate are actively 

encouraged through individual tutorials, 

group evaluations and seminars. 

Programme Structure 

In the postgraduate stage of the 

programme, which spans the first three 

terms of study, choreographic skills and 

understanding are extended through a 

series of practical workshops and seminar 

discussions. Students also gain theoretical 

and practical experience of working with 

music, design and related technologies 

in contextual and related study areas and 

through opportunities to engage with guest 

choreographers, composers and artists 

from other disciplines. 

Perspectives on Creative Practice 

Through a series of seminar sessions 

students are encouraged to consider 

a range of perspectives on creative 

practice. This study is supported by 

a programme of guest choreographers 

who are invited to discuss their personal 

and artistic philosophies and, where 

possible, to demonstrate aspects of 

their creative process in workshop 

or rehearsal situations. 

Design & Media for Performance 

Module tutors and visiting practitioners 

introduce students to a range of design 

concepts and applications including 

film and new media, sound and lighting 

design, costume, scenography and props. 

Independent Choreographic Projects 

During the first two terms of study taught 

sessions focus on the development 

of movement vocabulary, generating 

and devising processes, the context 

and location of performance and 

collaborative partnerships. Students also 

work independently to create a number 

of choreographic studies and two formally 

presented complete choreographic works; 

one for a middle-scale theatre space and 

the other for a performance setting of the 

student’s own choice. 

Research Portfolio 

The research portfolio underpins the 

work undertaken in all other modules 

providing a means by which students can 

reflect holistically upon their creative and 

professional development. 

MA Choreography 

On successful completion of the 

postgraduate diploma the student may 

progress onto the MA stage of study. 

This takes place during a fourth term 

where students embark on an independent 

project involving the creation and staging 

of a substantial dance work for public 

performance. The presentation of the 

performance piece is supported by the 

submission of an extended 

research portfolio. 



interview. Candidates are asked to submit 

examples of their choreographic work 

on DVD and are normally expected to 

have prior choreographic experience and 

have successfully completed a three year 

dance training programme in the University 

or Conservatoire sector at H level or 

professional level. Candidates not holding 

one of these entry qualifications may apply 

for accreditation of prior learning (APEL). 

Pictured are Peter Grist with 

Ciara Collins-Atkins (front) 

and Cruz-Antonio Reyes 

with Natasha Kowalski 

(rear) in ‘March’ by Simon 

Birch, which was toured 

extensively as part of Verve 

08’s repertory programme. 

The company performed to 

over 3000 people during the 

six month tour.

Pictured are Rudi Cole and 

Janice Keith performing 

Henrietta Hale’s ‘The 

Forest’. During the final year 

of their degree at NSCD, 

both dancers successfully 

auditioned for companies. 

Rudi will perform with 

Compagnie Thor in Belgium 

in 2009/10 whilst Janice 

will join Verve 10.

Judith Clijsters is pictured 

performing Glenn 

Wilkinson’s ‘Niners’ as part 

of the Verve 09 tour. Judith 

joined Verve after graduating 

from NSCD with a BPA 

(Hons) in Contemporary 

Dance, with first class 

honours. Upon gaining her 

PGDip in Contemporary 

Dance she was offered her 

first professional contract 

with the prestigious Phoenix 

Dance Theatre.

07. 

Our Facilities 

NSCD occupies a unique architectural site incorporating a 

sympathetic mixture of old and new buildings. Based around 

a listed former synagogue it houses all the modern facilities 

you would expect from a conservatoire dance school, whilst 

maintaining the site’s intrinsic character and integrity. 

08. 

Supporting 

Your Studies 

To help you gain the maximum benefit from your studies 

NSCD provides a range of support systems. 

The Riley Theatre 

The main training facilities consist of: 

– 8 large dance studios; 

– The Riley Theatre; 

– the Learner Resource Centre 

(incorporating the library and 

student computers); 

– the Video and Music Editing Suites; 

– and the Costume Department. 

All dance studios have fully sprung 

floors and are equipped with pianos 

and percussion instruments for live 

accompaniment. Most studios also have 

ballet barrès and integrated video and 

audio replay equipment. 

The Learner Resource Centre (LRC) 

contains virtually all the reference 

materials you will need to support your 

studies: books, journals, videos, DVDs, 

CDs and internet access. In addition the 

LRC houses a selection of CD-ROMs 

and dance related software packages. 

All LRC computers have software 

to support students with dyslexia. 

The Riley Theatre is a unique performance 

space housed in the former synagogue. 

Situated at the heart of the site, it has a 

seating capacity of 250 and still retains 

many original features. The Theatre 

provides an ideal performance space 

for students and visiting professional 

dance companies, such as Phoenix 

Dance Theatre, Tilted Productions 

and Retina Dance Company. 

choreographer Wendy Houstoun 

BPA (Hons) Contemporary Dance & Postgraduate Diploma/ 

MA Choreography students rehearsing for the Canova 

Project, Italy 

Tutorial and Academic Support 

All students are allocated a Personal 

Tutor with whom they have regular oneto-one 

meetings. In addition, subject 

tutors provide support on all aspects of 

the training, both practical and academic. 

Additional Support 

Specialist learner support is available 

through tutorial sessions with the Learner 

Support Tutor. For practical areas of study, 

technique teachers provide technique 

tutorials or coaching sessions. 

English Language Support 

The School provides language support 

classes for international students who 

need to improve their written and 

spoken English. 

Welfare Support 

Welfare support is available to all our 

students. Where appropriate the Welfare 

Officer may refer students for professional 

counselling, if requested. 

Health, Fitness and Injury Support 

The School, in partnership with the Good 

Health Centre in Leeds, offers a subsidised 

injury treatment scheme. The scheme 

allows students to access a number 

of reduced-rate osteopathy (or other) 

treatments provided by staff from the Good 

Health Centre on the School’s premises. 

The School also engages the services of 

a consultant osteopath to provide health 

and fitness advice and injury treatment. 

Careers 

The Learner Resource Centre houses 

a careers section and notice boards 

dedicated to professional auditions 

and other opportunities. There are also 

scheduled careers sessions for third year 

BPA (Hons) and Postgraduate Diploma 

students. These sessions include careers 

seminars with leading organisations such 

as Arts Council England, Sadler’s Wells 

and the National Dance Agencies, 

providing networking opportunities and 

building awareness of the infrastructure of 

the dance industry. These are programmed 

alongside mock auditions from leading 

companies such as Random Dance, 

Shobana Jeyasingh Dance Company 

and The Cholmondeleys. 

Accommodation 

Student accommodation is plentiful in 

Leeds and most students from the School 

choose to share flats or houses close 

to NSCD. The School does not have its 

own student accommodation but does 

subscribe to UNIPOL Student Homes, 

a charitable trust that helps students find 

rented accommodation. Students requiring 

accommodation should contact UNIPOL 

for assistance or attend one of our house 

hunting days held over the summer. 

These days are a useful opportunity to 

meet potential housemates whilst viewing/ 

securing rented accommodation. 

UNIPOL’s website address is: 

www.unipol.leeds.ac.uk 

Studio 6 

the video editing suite

09. 

Our Staff 

Debbie Johnson MA 

Head of Choreography 

On completion of her training at the 

London Contemporary Dance School, 

Debbie performed with Tanz Theatre 

Wien in Austria. From 1985-1991 she 

taught choreography at NSCD and then 

at Newcastle College in addition to working 

as a freelance choreographer. Debbie 

returned to NSCD in 1996 and gained 

an MA in History of Ideas at the University 

of Northumbria before taking up the post 

of Head of Choreography in 2003. 

Russell Trigg MA 

Head of Postgraduate Study 

Russell gained an MA in Art History and 

Theory at the University of Essex before 

training at NSCD. He was co-director 

of Northern Dance Company from 1988 

to 1992 after which he performed for 

the Claire Russ Ensemble, Emilyn Claid, 

Nigel Charnock and with CandoCo. He 

has toured throughout Europe as well 

as working and performing for Christine 

Marneffe’s Les Cols Roules in France. 

Russell appears in Stanley Kubrik’s final 

film ‘Eyes Wide Shut’ and was a member 

of Yolande Snaith Theatredance for five 

years before joining NSCD in 2002. 

Rachel Krische BA (Hons) 

Head of Performance & Third Year 

Co-ordinator 

Since graduating from London 

Contemporary Dance School in 1992, 

Rachel has performed and collaborated 

with over 20 different artists including La 

Ribot, Akram Khan and Wendy Houstoun. 

She has also been Rehearsal Director for 

Bare Bones, Shobana Jeyasingh, Henri 

Oguike and Jonathan Lunn and has taught 

contemporary dance, choreography, 

improvisation and Yoga internationally. In 

2002 she won the Jerwood Choreography 

Award with Ben Wright. Most recently she 

has been touring Deborah Hay’s solo ‘The 

Swimmer’ to major international festivals in 

London and Europe. 

Our teaching staff are highly experienced professionals 

in their chosen field. Their unique experience, passion and 

expertise inform our approach to dance training, ensuring 

that our students receive expert coaching and advice on 

an individual basis. 

Deborah Ford BA (Hons) 

Lecturer in Contemporary Dance 

After graduating from London 

Contemporary Dance School, Deborah 

performed with Earthfall and Diversions, 

The Dance Company of Wales. She 

has worked with many choreographers 

including Sean Feldman, Zvi Gotheiner, 

Helene Blackburn, Stign Cellis, Tony 

Mira and Juan Carlos Garcia. In July 

2006 she was invited as an Associate onto 

The Bank Project at the Siobhan Davies 

Dance Studios. Deborah joined NSCD 

in January 2007 as Rehearsal Director 

for Verve in its inaugural year and now 

teaches contemporary dance technique. 

Eric Assandri 

Lecturer in Ballet & Second Year 

Co-ordinator 

Born in Nice, Eric received his ballet 

training at the Conservatoire de Nice (1st 

Prize) and in Monaco. He went on to work 

in Toulon, Marseille, Toulouse and finally 

in Salzburg. He danced as a guest artist in 

‘Bournonville’ Pas de deux and ballets with 

Dinna Bjørn and the soloists of the Royal 

Danish Ballet. Later, as Ballet Master and 

Assistant to the Ballet Director in Salzburg, 

Eric led rehearsals, taught the company 

and assisted with choreography. 

Hagit Bar MA 

Lecturer in Choreographic and 

Creative Studies 

Hagit moved to the UK to study for 

an MA in Scenography [Dance] and 

Choreography at Laban having already 

achieved a BA in Dance Education in her 

home country, Israel. Her choreographic 

work has been toured throughout Israel 

and performed in the UK, Spain and 

Portugal. She has received numerous 

commissions including: Suzanne Dellal 

Centre (Israel); Epping Forest Arts; The 

Room Gallery; Arts Council England; 

and Lisa Ullman Travelling Scholarship. 

She has recently participated in the Solo 

Performance Commissioning Project. 

Shirley Jacobs PGCLTHE 


& Foundation Course Co-ordinator 

Shirley was a founder member of 

the National Youth Dance Company 

and trained at NSCD. She was a dancer 

and choreographer with the Northern 

Dance Company, participated as a dancer 

on the Gulbenkian International Course 

(directed by Richard Alston) and worked 

with Emilyn Claid & Co. She has created 

many professional works, won first prize 

at the Croydon Choreographic Competition 

and was a guest choreographer at the 

Suzanne Dellal Festival, Israel. Shirley 

completed her BA(Hons) and postgraduate 

studies at the University of Leeds. 

Andile Sotiya 


Andile, originally from South Africa, trained 

at The Rambert School. He has danced for 

Phoenix Dance Theatre and Kylie Minogue 

and been an Associate Artist at The Place. 

He has also held a residency at Yorkshire 

Dance and at BIFHE commissioned 

by Dance Northern Ireland. Andile has 

choreographed his own projects and for 

numerous companies including ACE, 

BareBones Dance Company, Northern 

Youth Dance Company and Phoenix 

Dance Theatre – being nominated for 

various choreographic prizes and awards. 

Tiia Ourila 


Tiia studied at Rambert School of Ballet 

and Contemporary Dance as well as at 

Schools in her native Finland and in the 

United States. Her dancing credits include 

performing with the Finnish National 

Theatre and Phoenix Dance Theatre 

where she worked with Darshan Singh 

Bhuller, Jeremy Nelson, Henri Oguike 

and Maresa von Stockert. She is Co- 

Director of RODA and has choreographed 

for the Yorkshire Young Dancers Centre 

for Advanced Training. 

Jillian Hopper 


Jillian trained at Middlesex University 

and the University of Michigan-Flint. 

She continues her pursuit and study 

of the technique on both a performance 

and theoretical level under the direction 

of leading Humphrey/Weidman/Limon 

specialists Gail Corbin, Deborah Carr, 

and Jim May. She has taught dance for 

the Doris Humphrey Foundation UK and 

at The Place and Middlesex University. 

She has performed for Intimate 

Contenders and HR-Artworks in London 

and performed Humphrey repertory in 

New York and Chicago, USA. 

Francesca McCarthy MA 

Lecturer in Ballet 

Francesca trained at the Northern Ballet 

School and London Contemporary Dance 

School. She taught dance at Middlesex 

University, London Contemporary 

Dance School, The Place, The Urdang 

Academy and in Tromsø, Norway. She 

has also been a guest ballet teacher for 

the Shobana Jeyasingh Dance Company 

and Rehearsal Director for Smallpetitklein. 

She has performed in Norway as well as 

participating in independant projects and 

the Leap into Dance Festival (London), 

along with working on collaborations with 

musicians from Guildhall School of Music. 

She was recently awarded a MA with 

distinction by London Contemporary 

Dance School, specialising in Dance 

Education and Training. 

Kimberley Berkin PDTD 

Lecturer in Ballet & First Year 

Co-ordinator 

A graduate of The Royal Ballet School, 

Kimberley has danced professionally with 

Ballet Ireland, often performing soloist roles. 

She has also danced with The English 

National Ballet in their season of Swan 

Lake. Kimberley came 1st in the Ursula 

Moreton Choreographic Competition 

(2003) and has recently undertaken the 

Professional Dancer’s Teaching Diploma 

at The Royal Academy of Dance. She is 

a First Dan Black Belt in Karate and has 

represented the UK in European and World 

championships. Kimberley joined the staff 

of NSCD in 2008. 

Clive Wilkinson MA 

Lecturer in Contemporary Music 

Clive studied composition at the 

Universities of York and Keele with Richard 

Orton and Roger Marsh and studied at 

Dartington International Summer School 

with Sir Harrison Birtwistle (UK), Lou 

Harrison (US) and Jo Kondo (Japan). 

He was Artist in Residence at the Banff 

Centre for the Arts in Canada. Clive has 

published a number of CDs. His scores 

are published by Frog Peak Music and his 

music has been broadcast and performed 

internationally. He is also an expert on 

Javanese Gamelan and his graphic 

score Ocean Sea features in the recently 

published anthology Notations 21. 

Mark Baker MA 

Technical Manager/Lecturer in Film 

Mark worked as a theatre lighting 

technician touring nationally and 

internationally with dance companies such 

as Bi Ma and David Massingham before 

becoming a freelance lighting designer 

specialising in dance. He has over 10 years 

experience of teaching lighting and sound 

for stage, stage management and video 

production at all levels. He also works as 

a digital filmmaker and has worked with 

Phoenix Dance Theatre. Mark has an 

MA in Film Studies from the University 

of Newcastle upon Tyne. 

Jennifer-Lynn Crawford MA 

Lecturer in Release Technique 

Jennifer-Lynn studied at Quinte Ballet 

School and School of Toronto Dance 

Theatre. She received a Chevening 

Scholarship and Chalmers Grant that 

enabled her to move to the UK and join 

EDge, the postgraduate performance 

group at London Contemporary Dance 

School. Her choreographic work has 

been performed in Holland, Toronto, 

London and most notably as a finalist 

in Stuttgart’s 9th International Solo Tanz 

Theatre Festival. She has performed 

extensively with Hofesh Shechter’s 

deGENERATION tour and participated in 

the Siobhan Davies’ Bank Project (2007). 

Rachel Lancaster 

Verve Rehearsal Director 

Since graduating from Laban and 

Transitions Dance Company, Rachel 

performed a number of artists work 

including, Amanda Miller, VTOL, Protein, 

and Maxine Doyle’s First Person Dance 

Company. In 1999 she joined AMP now 

Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures, 

and has performed internationally in the 

company’s major works and films. Rachel 

has been company dance captain assisting 

in the creation and restaging of Matthew 

Bourne’s work for the last five years. 

Caroline Scott BA (Hons) 

Physical Awareness & Development/ 

Dance Artists in Education 

(part time lecturer) 

Caroline trained at Laban, performed 

with Nomads Dance Company and 

lectured in Dance at the University of 

Derby. She works in schools providing 

movement and dance opportunities for 

young people with profound and multiple 

learning disabilities. Caroline completed 

the Amsterdam International Feldenkrais 

Training (AIFT) in October 2002 and has 

a private practice alongside teaching 

Feldenkrais for dancers. 

Ros Lehany 

Dyslexia / Learner Support Tutor 

Ros trained as a dyslexia tutor with 

Dyslexia Action and was the Adult 

Dyslexia Coordinator in Leeds for 5 

years. As an independent consultant 

she delivers training to staff in other 

educational establishments and carries 

out assessments to support DSA 

applications. She is a tutor on the 

postgraduate course run by Dyslexia 

Action and she is currently the chair 

of the Association of Dyslexia Specialists 

in Higher Education. 

Peter Dunleavy BSc(Hons) Ost 

Consultant Osteopath 

Peter studied Osteopathic Medicine and 

ran a private practice specialising in the 

care of professional athletes, dancers, 

fighters etc before concentrating solely 

on providing osteopathic treatment and 

screening for young dancers training 

at conservatoire schools. He has also 

been a professional dancer working with 

independent artists and for over a decade 

with London Contemporary Dance Theatre. 

Peter holds 1st Dan in Shotokan Karate 

and 2nd Dan Aikido. 

Georgia Cooper BA(Hons) DipHE 

Student Welfare Officer 

A Textile graduate, Georgia’s initial 

association with contemporary dance 

was as a costume designer for NSCD 

and leading companies including Phoenix 

Dance Theatre, Northern Ballet Theatre 

and RJC Dance. Through this work she 

developed an interest in the emotional 

impact of dance training and this led 

her to embark on a professional career 

as a counsellor.

Judith Clijsters performed 

this solo as part of NSCD’s 

2008 Graduation Show, 

where she was also 

presented with the College’s 

Outstanding Achievement 

Award. The video of this solo 

is featured on www.youtube. 

com/northernschool. 

Upon graduation Judith 

successfully auditioned to 

join Verve 09 following which 

she was promptly offered 

her first professional contract 

with Phoenix Dance Theatre.

Pictured are Gemma 

Riley and Janice Keith 

performing in ‘The Forest’ 

by Henrietta Hale. Gemma 

and Janice will continue to 

perform together as both 

successfully auditioned for 

Verve 10. During their year 

with Verve they will tour 

newly commissioned work 

throughout the UK and 

Internationally, performing 

to around 3000 people.

10. 

A Career in 


Our courses prepare students for what can be a demanding 

and competitive profession. The training is therefore rigorous 

and challenging, requiring a high level of commitment and 

determination. This approach enables our students to continue 

to succeed in the field of professional contemporary dance 

and is recognised as the hallmark of NSCD’s ethos. 

Pictured is Rudi Cole 

performing in Henrietta 

Hale’s piece ‘The Forest’. 

On graduating Rudi was 

offered a professional 

contract to dance with 

Compagnie Thor, who are 

based in Belgium and tour 

throughout the world. 

The relevance of our training practice is 

further strengthened by our close links 

with the professional dance world. These 

partnerships provide students with valuable 

opportunities to make contact with dance 

artists, choreographers and company 

directors. To assist third year degree and 

postgraduate diploma students we run 

a comprehensive careers programme 

which includes mock auditions with leading 

dance companies and important advice 

on successfully managing a freelance 

or ‘portfolio’ career. 

Here are some of the dance 

companies our graduates have joined: 

– ACE 

– Adventures in Motion Pictures 

– Adzido Dance 

– Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (USA) 

– Arc Dance Company 

– Attic Dance 

– Badejo Arts 

– Ballet Lorent 

– Bonachela Dance Company 

– CandoCo 

– Carlson Dance Company 

– Dance Theatre of Harlem (USA) 

– Dance Theatre of Ireland 

– Diamond Dance 

– Diversions Dance Company 

– DV8 Physical Theatre 

– Earthfall 

– Henri Oguike Dance Company 

– Irie Dance Company 

– Jasmin Vardimon Dance Company 

– Kibbutz Contemporary Dance 

Company (Israel) 

– Kompany Malakhi 

– Ludus Dance Company 

– Maria Cardonia Dance Company (Spain) 

– Miami Contemporary Dance 

Company (USA) 

– Motionhouse 

– New Art Club 

– Phoenix Dance Theatre 

– Protein Dance 

– Retina Dance Company 

– RJC Dance Productions 

– Richard Alston Dance Company 

– Sakoba Dance Company 

– Scottish Dance Theatre 

– Shobana Jeyasingh Dance Company 

– Singh Productions 

– Springs Dance Company 

– Tilted Productions (Maresa von Stockert) 

– The Cholmondeleys and 

The Featherstonehaughs 

– Union Dance Company 

– Vincent Dance Theatre 

– Wayne McGregor|Random Dance 

– X Factor 

Additionally, many ex-students have 

pursued careers as choreographers or set 

up their own companies. Notable examples 

include Akram Khan, Benji Reid, Debbi 

Purtill, Emily Burns, Fleur Darkin, Kwesi 

Johnson, Robert Hylton, Ross Cooper, 

Simon Birch, Tamsin Fitzgerald and 

Tom Roden.

11. 

Our Graduates 

Here are brief biographies of some of our graduates: 

Akram Khan 

Simon Palmer 

Sarita Piotrowski 

Amanda Weaver 

Lisa Welham 

Anthony Missen 

Tamsin Fitzgerald 

Gary Clarke 

Kevin Turner 

Ira Mandela Siobhan 

Akram Khan MBE 

Akram Khan is one of the most acclaimed 

choreographers of his generation working 

in Britain today. Graduating from NSCD in 

1998, Akram launched his own company 

in 2000. Major works include: Kaash 

(2002) with artist Anish Kapoor and 

composer Nitin Sawhney; ma (2004), with 

text by writer Hanif Kureishi (South Bank 

Show Award 2005); zero degrees (2005), 

a collaboration with dancer Sidi Larbi 

Cherkaoui, sculptor Antony Gormley and 

composer Nitin Sawhney; Sacred Monsters 

(2006) a duet with ballerina Sylvie Guillem 

with additional choreography by Lin Hwai 

Min and In-I (2008) a collaboration with 

Oscar-winning actress Juliette Binoche with 

visual design by Anish Kapoor and music 

composition by Philip Sheppard. Previously 

Associate Artist at the South Bank Centre, 

Akram is now an Associate Artist at Sadler’s 

Wells. Akram has received numerous 

awards including the Critics’ Circle National 

Dance Awards prize for Outstanding Male 

or Female Artist (modern) and for Best 

Choreography (modern section), a South 

Bank Show Award (DANCE), the 2007 

Excellence in International Dance Award 

by the International Theatre Institute, Best 

Male Dancer in the prestigious annual 

Helpmann Awards, as well as a nomination 

for the 2006 Laurence Olivier Awards 

(Best New Dance Production). In 2004, 

Akram received an Honorary Doctorate 

of Arts from De Montfort University for his 

contribution to the UK arts community and 

was awarded an MBE for his services to 

Dance in 2005. 

Anthony Missen 

After formal training at NSCD, Anthony 

danced with companies including Scottish 

Dance Theatre, Cie. Willi Dorner, Mad 

Dogs Dance Theatre and Cassanidance; 

and choreographers including Rui Horta, 

Didi Veldman and Liv Lorent. As an actor, 

Anthony played the lead role in the 2006 

production of Monkey, a collaboration 

between Dundee Rep Theatre Ensemble 

and SDT, and played several roles in 

the 2007 National Theatre of Scotland 

production of Peer Gynt. He was 

Movement Director for Dundee Rep’s 2007 

production of Playhouse Creatures, and 

their 2008 production of Romeo and Juliet. 

Anthony has taught at most of the major 

British contemporary dance institutions, 

to several professional dance companies, 

and has taught freelance in France, 

Germany and Austria. He has led 

many choreographic and skills-based 

residencies. Recent choreographic works 

include Second Grace for SDT and 

February 10th for the Scottish School 

of Contemporary Dance. He established 

Company Chameleon with Kevin Turner 

in 2007. 

Simon Palmer 

Simon grew up in Essex where he 

developed a keen interest in the performing 

arts, studying piano and voice. He began 

dance classes at the age of 16 and joined 

the BPA (Hons) degree in Contemporary 

Dance at NSCD, graduating in 2005. After 

involvement in several professional dance 

projects he returned to the school in 2007 

to become one of the founding members 

of Verve, NSCD’s graduate performance 

company. Following the Verve tour Simon 

joined Maresa von Stockert’s dance theatre 

company Tilted Productions, with whom 

he still works as they tour their latest fulllength 

piece, ‘TrAPPED’. He also regularly 

collaborates with visual artists, musicians 

and actors on smaller, site-specific projects 

and installations across London. 

Tamsin Fitzgerald 

After graduating from NSCD in 1998, 

Tamsin founded 2FaCeD DaNcE Company. 

She has received wide acclaim for her 

work including three sell out runs at the 

Edinburgh Fringe Festival, winning a Pick 

of the Fringe award in 2005. She has also 

choreographed work for the MTV Awards 

in Lisbon and for the international tour and 

West End production of the Caesar Twins. 

Tamsin has been a guest speaker at the 

National Youth Dance Conference and at 

the National Dance Teachers Association 

conference. In 2007 she received the Rayne 

Fellowships for Choreographers. Tamsin 

recently collaborated with Hofesh Shechter 

for the Birmingham International Dance 

Festival and published a book on hip-hop 

and urban dance. 

Sarita Piotrowski 

After graduating from the BPA degree 

programme in 2001 Sarita joined the 

Graduate Diploma in Contemporary Dance, 

undertaking her apprenticeship with 

Random Dance Company. On completion 

of the course Sarita performed with Henri 

Oguike Dance Company and Diversions 

Dance. On leaving Diversions in 2008 

Sarita embarked on a freelance career, 

allowing her to mix onoging contemporary 

projects with commercial work including 

The Opera Show by Mitch Sebastian, ITV’s 

Take That Come to Town, BBC’s The John 

Barrowman show, Take That’s UK Tour The 

Circus and the Petshop Boys performance 

at the Brit Awards. Sarita has also had 

featured roles in short dance films The Jaffa 

Man by Robert Hilton and Blank Canvas for 

State of Flux/Heather Eddington. 

Gary Clarke 

Since graduating in 2001, Gary has worked 

with Lea Anderson’s The Cholmondeleys 

& The Featherstonehaughs, Adventures 

in Motion Pictures (AMP), balletLORENT, 

Bock & Vincenzi, Retina Dance Company, 

Phoenix Dance Theatre, Maresa Von 

Stockert’s Titled Productions,The Felix 

Ruckert Company, The Divine David, 

Javier De Frutos, Nigel Charnock and 

Wendy Houstoun. He has also performed 

in a number of feature films and sitespecific 

works comissioned by the BBC, 

Opera North, Northern Stage, Polar 

Produce Productions, Future Cinema and 

Club Duckie. Gary is also an award-winning 

choreographer touring work both nationally 

and internationally and has created works 

for StopGAP Dance Company, Ludus 

Dance Company, Ascendance REP, NSCD 

and Corridor Arts. Gary is currently an 

Associate Artist at Yorkshire Dance. 

Amanda Weaver 

Amanda took dance classes in Derby 

before taking the BPA (Hons) at NSCD. 

After graduating she joined 4D, the 

postgraduate company at The Place. She 

then toured with Darshan Singh Bhuller’s 

acclaimed Planted Seeds before becoming 

a member of the Richard Alston Dance 

Company. Amanda has since worked with 

Emma Diamond Dance Company and 

Random Dance Company. 

Kevin Turner 

During his time at NSCD Kevin performed 

and toured with the National Youth Dance 

Company and Beth Cassani. Following 

workshops at Rambert Dance Company 

he was invited to perform with them in 

Lindsay Kemp’s The Parade’s Gone By. 

After graduation he performed with Scottish 

Dance Theatre, Phoenix Dance Theatre 

and Rubberbandance. In 2008 he was 

Associate Artist at NSCD with Company 

Chameleon, which he established in 2007 

with Anthony Missen. 

Lisa Welham 

Lisa graduated from NSCD in 2002 with 

a first class honours degree and was 

awarded the University of Leeds Armes 

Prize for outstanding achievement. 

Whilst at the College she toured in the UK 

and Germany as a member of NSCD’s 

student company. Since completing her 

studies Lisa has been a member of Phoenix 

Dance Theatre, Henri Oguike Dance 

Company, Mad Dogs Dance Theatre and 

is currently dancing with Rafael Bonachela 

Dance Company. 

Ira Mandela Siobhan 

Ira graduated from Northern School of 

Contemporary Dance in 2006 with a first 

class Honours degree in Contemporary 

Dance. He also holds NSCD’s award for 

the Best Performer of the Year 2006. 

In 2007 Ira performed with NSCD’s 

Postgraduate Performance Company, 

Verve, and was awarded a Post Graduate 

Certificate in Performing Arts with 

Distinction. Ira joined DV8 Physical Theatre 

Company in 2007 and continues to perform 

‘To Be Straight with You’ as part of the 

company’s second international tour in 

Autumn 2009. Ira has recently completed 

a six month tour with Richard Alston Dance 

Company and rejoins the company for their 

USA tour in January 2010.

Pictured is second year 

degree student Mary 

Mannion performing in 

Niamh Condron’s ‘One 

by One’. This work was 

created especially for the 

second year students 

during a four week rehearsal 

period leading up to the 

annual student showcase 

performances, March 09.

Pictured are second year 

degree students Danny 

Connor, Ellen Cobbaert & 

Lotte Ghyssaert performing 

‘Occupied Silence’ by Hagit 

Bar. All three students are 

now in the final year of their 

degree course.

12. 

Life at NSCD 

Over its 23-year history NSCD has trained numerous 

dance artists, each contributing to the School and the dance 

community in their own distinct way. Here are just some of 

their experiences: 

13. 

Living in Leeds 

Over recent years Leeds has developed into one of the UK’s 

most exciting, prosperous and dynamic cities. It has a student 

population of over 200,000 and was voted the Best UK 

University Destination by The Independent. 

hanging out in the atrium 

Glenn Wilkinson rehearsing with Verve 09 

When I think back to the dreams I had 

about becoming a dancer - walking 

through the doors of Northern seemed 

to be the answer to becoming the dancer 

I’d imagined I could be. 

Simone Foster, graduated 2001 

Dancing my graduation solo ‘Points of 

Departure’ to Schubert on my last night 

as a NSCD student… Amanda Weaver’s 

solo in ‘Beyond a Cliff’ by Dwight Roden. 

That piece, the music and the dancers 

is my strongest memory in dance 

performance to this day. 

Nick Bryson, graduated 1997 

My experience at NSCD will always 

be with me and has given me the passion 

and the love of dance to pass onto 

young people. I will never forget my time, 

it has had a huge impact on who I am as 

a person. 

Emma Jenkins, graduated 1998 

I enjoyed every minute of my training 

although very hard and demanding I made 

great friends, had the best dance teachers - 

I lived my dream of dancing! 

Sarah Phipps, graduated 1997 

They worked me hard at the NSCD but I 

still had fun learning contemporary. From 

a B-Boy to a ballet boy… Inspirational 

students and supportive staff. Serious 

and stern but still game to laugh (plus 

a pint in town). It’s a pleasure being part 

of the school’s community. 

Bobak Walker, graduated 2004 

It is people that make a moment in time a 

memorable one. In the four years I spent 

at NSCD as a foundation student and a 

degree student I experienced the full range 

of the emotional scale, from feelings of 

inadequacy to complete joy, and I am truly 

grateful for it because it taught me the most 

valuable lesson of all. Quite simply I learned 

that you get out of life what you put in and 

sometimes the hardships and the pain are 

what are necessary to truly appreciate the 

rewards. For this I thank the NSCD. 

Sonja Cimelli, graduated 1998 

I always remember the first time I stepped 

into my first pair of ballet shoes. Squeaky 

clean leather with black elastic sewn in a 

criss-cross by my mother. I had the same 

shoes for 3 years and still have them 

to this day. They are unrecognisable. 

Battered, bruised and shaggy from the 

endless hours of Tendus and Ronds de 

jambes in Studio 7. 

Gary Clarke, graduated 2001 

It was well worth the sweat, tears and 

hard work. I would recommend the 

school any day… I am proud to say 

that I trained at NSCD. 

Amanda Lewis, graduated 2004 

NSCD opens the doors to your body - 

your SELF - and all the endless possibilities 

there are for you. Do it through dance. 

Niamh Condron, graduated 1999 


The Victoria Quarter, Leeds 

Leeds is home to some of the best theatre 

venues outside London including the 

acclaimed West Yorkshire Playhouse, and 

the more traditional and newly refurbished 

Grand Theatre. Phoenix Dance Theatre 

is based in Leeds as are Northern Ballet 

Theatre, RJC Dance Productions and 

Opera North. The Yorkshire region also 

hosts national and international touring 

dance companies such as Merce 

Cunningham Dance Company, Nederlands 

Dans Theater and Alvin Ailey American 

Dance Theatre. 

The city centre is full of superb bars, 

restaurants and clubs catering for all 

tastes and styles. Leeds is also great 

for shopping with its mix of high street 

favourites, unique boutiques and 

beautifully restored Victorian arcades. 

Away from the hustle and bustle Leeds has 

an excellent art gallery, as well as the Henry 

Moore Institute and the Royal Armouries. 

The Yorkshire Sculpture Park is just a few 

miles down the M1 and nearby Bradford is 

home to the National Media Museum. If you 

want to get away from it all, a short journey 

will take you to the peace and quiet of the 

Yorkshire Dales, the North Yorkshire Moors 

and the east coast’s stunning landscapes 

which have inspired numerous artists over 

the centuries. 

For further information about Leeds 

life, here are a few websites you may 

want to visit: 

Leeds visitor information: 

www.leedsliveitloveit.com 

Leeds City Council: 

www.leeds.gov.uk 

Leeds City Museum and Art Gallery: 

www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries 

Leeds International Film Festival: 

www.leedsfilm.com 

Local news: 

www.bbc.co.uk/leeds 

Phoenix Dance Theatre: 

www.phoenixdancetheatre.co.uk 

West Yorkshire Playhouse: 

www.wyplayhouse.co.uk 

Yorkshire Dance Centre: 

www.yorkshiredance.com 

Cultural listings: 

www.digyorkshire.com 

Reviews and comments on the 

City of Leeds: 

The UK’s Favourite City 

Condé Nast Traveller magazine 

The Readers’ Traveller Awards 

Britain’s Best City for Business 

OMIS Research 

Visitor City of the Year 

The Good Britain Guide 

Best Place in Britain to Live 

Urban Behaviours survey, Henley 

Management College 

Best UK University Destination 

The Independent 

Number One City for Clubbing 

Mixmag Music Dance Awards 

discussing work in the studio

David Michel, pictured, 

graduated from NSCD in 

2009 with a BPA (Hons) 

in Contemporary Dance. 

He is one of just three 

male dancers accepted 

to join Verve 10, and 

will be involved in the 

creation and touring of 

newly commissioned 

work by professional 

choreographers.


degree students Elina 

Karimaa and Mary Mannion 

performing Niamh Condron’s 

‘One by One’.

14. 

Applying and Auditioning 

NSCD has an international reputation, attracting students from 

across the UK and Europe as well as from Asia, Australia, and 

North and South America. We welcome applicants from a wide 

variety of backgrounds including those from under-represented 

groups. Places are offered solely on the basis of individual 

potential and suitability to undertake our contemporary 

dance training. 

15. 

Fees 

Leeds. The most cost effective place to study in Britain. 

RBS Student Living Index 2007 

The closing dates for completed 

applications are: 

Foundation Course 

9th April 2010 

BPA (Hons) in Contemporary Dance 

25th June 2010 

Postgraduate Diploma in 


21st May 2010 

PGDip/MA in Choreography 

25th June 2010 

To make an application please visit 

the NSCD website www.nscd.ac.uk 

and select ‘online application’. 

If you have any queries please call 

Admissions on 0113 219 3050, or 

email info@nscd.ac.uk 

As a conservatoire-level training institution 

NSCD is unique in offering dance training 

courses from foundation to postgraduate 

diploma/MA level. Applicants should 

carefully consider the level of study they 

wish to undertake as it is important to 

have the appropriate prior experience to 

fully benefit from each of the programmes 

on offer. This is particularly relevant 

for applicants wishing to audition for 

NSCD’s Postgraduate Diploma 

programme pathways. 

For the Foundation course or the BPA 

(Hons) it is not unusual, however, for 

applicants with outstanding potential but 

with less experience to be offered a place. 

The qualifications required for each 

course are noted with the course 

descriptions, which can be found earlier 

in the prospectus. 

Due to the distinct and specialist nature of 

our courses and the need for an audition 

process, you must apply directly to NSCD 

and not through the UCAS system. The 

application process is the same for the 

Foundation, Degree and Postgraduate 

Diploma/MA courses. 

NSCD welcomes applications from 

disabled people. If you have a learning 

difficulty (e.g. dyslexia) or a disability 

(e.g. asthma, epilepsy, visual or sensory 

impairment) we would encourage you 

to disclose this at the earliest opportunity 

so we can make appropriate arrangements 

to meet your needs. 

The Audition Process 

All applicants are offered an audition, 

which will be on the first available audition 

date after receipt of the application. It is not 

possible to audition for deferred entry due 

to the nature of the courses. 

The audition process is designed to 

assess an applicant’s potential as a 

dance artist and suitability for the course. 

Auditions are held in Leeds and each 

one normally attracts up to 40 prospective 

students. Auditions are also held in 

mainland Europe – please ask for further 

details when making your application. 

A non-refundable audition fee of £35.00 

is payable for Degree and Postgraduate 

Diploma/MA applicants and £25.00 for 

Foundation applicants. Applicants who 

anticipate having difficulty paying the 

audition fee should contact Admissions 

on +44 (0)113 219 3050, or email 

info@nscd.ac.uk, prior to submitting 

the application form. 

More detailed information about the 

audition process, audition dates and 

online application can be found at 


Non-UK Residents 

Applicants for the Foundation course 

and BPA(Hons) degree course, based 

outside the UK may audition by sending 

a videotape/DVD/VCD of themselves 

performing a dance solo. Video 

applications are not available for any of 

the postgraduate level courses. Please 

contact Admissions for full details on 

+44 (0)113 219 3050 

or send an email to info@nscd.ac.uk 



The full tuition fee is £1,075. This fee is 

not charged to UK and EU students aged 

under 19. Students aged between 19 

and 24 who have not previously studied 

for a full level three qualification (i.e. the 

equivalent of 2 ‘A’ levels) may also be 

entitled to a fee waiver. 

International Students 

Non EU international students are required 

to pay the full cost of their tuition. Fees for 

2010/11 are £5,200 

BPA (Hons) in Contemporary Dance 

The student contribution to course fees 

for 2010/11 has yet to be confirmed but 

will not be less that the current year’s fee 

(£3,225). Some UK resident students are 

eligible for financial support both from 

the Government and the Conservatoire 

for Dance and Drama (CDD) in the form 

of non-repayable bursaries and grants. 

CDD also provides some bursaries to 

EU students, visit www.cdd.ac.uk for 

further information. 


Non EU international students will be 

required to pay the full cost of their tuition. 

Fees for 2010/11 have yet to be agreed 

but will not be less than the current year’s 

fees (£12,470). Further information about 

fee rates for non EU students is available 

from NSCD. 

Living Expenses 

Most undergraduate students from the 

UK studying at publicly funded colleges 

and universities are eligible for student 

loans and other financial support. We 

recommend that prospective students 

complete and return their fee support and 

student loan applications to their Local 

Education Authority as soon as possible 

(you do not have to wait until you are 

offered a place to make the application). 

When applying you should make it clear 

that you would be a student registered 

with both the Conservatoire for Dance 

and Drama and Northern School of 

Contemporary Dance. 

In addition to student loans, living 

expenses are often supplemented by 

students undertaking part-time work, 

which is fairly easy to find in Leeds. 

Extra Help 

All CDD affiliate colleges are determined 

that students should not be put off from 

enjoying the benefits of higher education 

on account of cost. Accordingly, in 

addition to Government support, a range 

of extra financial help is available for 

degree students who experience financial 

hardship. Details about CDD’s bursary 

scheme to support students from lower 

income households can be found at 

www.cdd.ac.uk 


Contemporary Dance and 


Choreography 

The student contribution to postgraduate 

course fees for 2010/11 has yet to be 

confirmed but will not be less that the 

current year’s fee (£4,175). Financial 

support for living expenses is not normally 

available for postgraduate courses. 

However, NSCD may be able to provide 

financial support for students on the 

course through School bursaries and 

funding provided through the generous 

support of The Leverhulme Trust. 


Non EU international students will be 

required to pay the full cost of their tuition. 

Fees for 2010/11 have yet to be agreed but 

will not be less than the current year’s fees 

for the Postgraduate Diploma (£12,470). 

Further information about fee rates for 

non EU students is available from NSCD. 

MA in Choreography (fourth term 

following Postgraduate Diploma) 

The additional fee for the extra term 

needed to complete the MA in 

Choreography for 2010/11 has yet to 

be confirmed but will not be less than 

the current year’s fee (£1,390). 


The additional fee for the extra term to 

complete the MA in Choreography will not 

be less than the current year’s fee (£4,155). 

Further information about fee rates for non 

EU students is available from NSCD.

Pictured is second year 

degree student Katherine 

McCabe performing Niamh 

Condron’s ‘One by One’. 

This work was created for 

the Student Showcase, 

March 09, and was one of 

four works commissioned 

for NSCD students 

to perform.


BPA (Hons) students Danny 

Connor and Lotte Ghyssaert 

performing ‘Occupied 

Silence’ by Hagit Bar, 

Lecturer in Choreographic 

and Creative Studies at 

NSCD. This work was 

presented in the Student 

Showcase performances, 

March 09.

16. 

Maps and Directions 

Edinburgh 

Newcastle 

Cardiff 

Leeds 

Manchester 

Birmingham 

London 

University 

Leeds/Bradford 

Airport (approx. 8 miles) 

Hospital 

Town Hall 

M606 

Merrion 

Centre 

A61 

Sheepscar 

Interchange 

Clay Pit Lane 

North St. 

Chapeltown Rd. 

Follow signs 

for Chapeltown 

Regent St. 

From North/A61/A6120 

(Via Harrogate Road) 

NSCD 



Barrack Rd. 

A58 

Validation and Accreditation 

of Programmes 

The Foundation Course in Contemporary 

Dance is accredited by the Open College 

Network Yorkshire and Humber Region. 

The BPA (Hons) in Contemporary Dance, 

the Postgraduate Diploma in Contemporary 

Dance and the Postgraduate Diploma/ 

MA in Choreography are validated by the 

University of Kent. 

Please note: Every effort has been made 

to ensure the accuracy of the information 

contained within this prospectus. However, 

NSCD reserves the right to introduce 

changes to the information given including 

the addition, withdrawal or restructuring of 

programmes. This prospectus is issued on 

condition that it does not form part of any 

contract between NSCD and any student. 

Design 

www.landkbrand.com 

Photography 

Chris Nash, Johnny Carr, 

Gavin Joynt, Brian Slater, 

Adriano Boscato. 

Print 

www.team-impression.com 

Outer cover: 

Rudi Cole graduated from 

NSCD in 2009 with a BPA 

(Hons) in Contemporary 

Dance. 

Cover shot: 

Robert Goodby graduated 

from NSCD in 2008 with a 

BPA (Hons) in Contemporary 

Dance then joined Verve 

09, completing his PGDip 

in 2009. 

Bus Sta. 

Inner Ring Rd. 

West 

Yorkshire 

Playhouse 

Inner Ring Rd. 

Tetley’s 

Brewery 

Train Station 

Royal 

Armouries 

Hunslet Rd. 

Underpass 

M621 

JCT 3 

Hunslet Distributor 

JCT 2 

JCT 4 

From 

M1 

Car 

From M1 

The M1 becomes the M621 just outside 

Leeds. Continue on the M621, exiting at J4. 

Follow signs to Harrogate. You will pass 

Tetley’s Brewery on the left, then the West 

Yorkshire Playhouse on the right. Continue 

to follow signs to Harrogate until you pick 

up signs to Chapeltown. The NSCD is just 

beyond the Sheepscar interchange, on the 

right (approximately 4 miles in total from the 

motorway). 

From M62 (East) 

Take the M1 north at J29 and then follow 

directions above. 

From M62 (West) 

Leave the M62 at J27 and take the M621 

into Leeds. Exit at J2, and follow signs to 

Harrogate via the Armley roundabout. This 

will take you onto the Inner Ring Road for 

a short stretch. Exit at the Harrogate sign. 

Pick up Chapeltown signs. The NSCD is 

just beyond the Sheepscar interchange, 

on the right. 

From the North 

At the A61/A6120 roundabout on the Leeds 

Outer Ring Road, follow signs to Leeds. At 

next immediate roundabout take Harrogate 

Road (not the A61) through Moortown and 

Chapel Allerton. Harrogate Road then turns 

into Chapeltown Road and the NSCD will 

be on the left. 

Bus 

Take bus number 2, 3, 3a or 46 from 

Leeds City Centre (by Kirkgate Market) 

to Chapeltown (approximately 10 minutes). 

The bus stop is located on Chapeltown 

Road opposite the NSCD. 

Train 

There are frequent trains to Leeds from 

most parts of the UK. Leeds City Station 

is located in the centre of town and it is 

a short taxi or bus ride to the NSCD. 

Northern School of Contemporary Dance



98 Chapeltown Road 

Leeds LS7 4BH 

United Kingdom 

Tel: +44 (0)113 219 3000 

Fax: +44 (0)113 219 3030 

info@nscd.ac.uk 


www.youtube.com/ 

northernschool



98 Chapeltown Road 

Leeds LS7 4BH 

United Kingdom 

Tel: +44 (0)113 219 3000 

Fax: +44 (0)113 219 3030 

info@nscd.ac.uk 


www.youtube.com/ 

northernschool

Northern School of Contemporary Dance

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