Northern School of Contemporary Dance

Northern School ofContemporary Dance

Hal Smith and MaryMannion performing DualFormula, choreographedby Peter Mika for Verve 11.01. Welcome02. Our Courses03. Foundation Course in Contemporary Dance04. BPA (Hons) in Contemporary Dance05. Postgraduate Diploma in Contemporary Dance06. Postgraduate Diploma/MA in Choreography07. Our Facilities08. Supporting Your Studies09. Our Staff10. A Career in Contemporary Dance11. Our Graduates12. Life at NSCD13. Living in Leeds14. Applying and Auditioning15. Fees16. Maps and DirectionsFor footage of student performancesand choreography go to:www.youtube.com/northernschoolThe text of this prospectusis also available in otherformats, for example largeprint or audiotape.NSCD is a unique dancetraining institution offering aselect group of students theopportunity to develop andexcel as dance artists in aconservatoire environment.As you would expect, danceis something we take seriously.It’s not one of many differentsubjects we teach - it’s the onlysubject. Dance is not a passingfad or fashion, it is the reasonwe exist as an organisation.Neither is it something webelieve can be approachedhalf-heartedly. Dance hasto be tackled with passion,dedication and energy.These are our beliefs.Are they yours?

01.WelcomeFounded in 1985 as the first conservatoire dance schoolwithin the public sector, NSCD offers professional dancetraining for the most talented students, providing accessregardless of background or financial circumstances.02.Our CoursesNSCD offers full-time courses in contemporary dance atfoundation, degree and postgraduate/MA level. The followingintroductions give a brief outline of the courses on offer. Moredetailed information about each course is available in latersections of the prospectus.In a survey recently conducted by LeedsMetropolitan University, 100% of studentscommencing their professional training saidthey would recommend NSCD to prospectivestudents. Here are a few reasons why:– our courses are focused on practice-basedtraining, giving students daily techniqueclasses and plenty of time in the studio;– the school offers a friendly atmospherewhere students are supported to fulfil theirpotential as dance artists;– there are regular performance opportunities,including informal presentations, in-houseplatforms, site-specific work and full publicperformances in our own theatre and otherprofessional venues;– our state-of-the-art dance training facilitiesinclude eight large studios plus a superbtheatre and a well-stocked library;– our teaching staff are highly experiencedprofessionals in their chosen field. Theirunique experience, passion and expertiseinform our approach to dance trainingensuring that our students receive expertcoaching and advice on an individual basis.Northern School ofContemporary Dancewww.nscd.ac.ukwww.youtube.com/northernschoolStudents of NSCD are also part of theConservatoire for Dance and Drama.NSCD is an affiliate school of theConservatoire for Dance and Drama.Students registered at NSCD on fundedcourses are jointly registered with theConservatoire for Dance and Drama.The Conservatoire was established in2001 as a new higher education institutioncreated to secure the future of professionaltraining in dance, drama and circus arts inEngland. It has eight affiliates which areall small, specialist schools offering someof the best training in dance, drama andcircus arts to be found in the world. As apublicly-funded higher education institution,the Conservatoire ensures that studentsat its affiliate schools receive subsidisedtraining. This helps us to achieve ouraim of taking students based on talentirrespective of background.As well as NSCD, there are sevenfurther Conservatoire schools.These are:– Bristol Old Vic Theatre Schoolwww.oldvic.ac.uk– Central School of Balletwww.centralschoolofballet.co.uk– The Circus Spacewww.thecircusspace.co.uk– The London Academy of Musicand Dramatic Artwww.lamda.org.uk– London Contemporary Dance Schoolwww.theplace.org.uk– Rambert School of Ballet andContemporary Dancewww.rambertschool.org.uk– Royal Academy of Dramatic Artwww.rada.orgFurther information about the schoolsand the Conservatoire is available at:www.cdd.ac.ukFoundation Course inContemporary DanceThis is a full-time one-year courseproviding intensive pre-vocationaltraining in contemporary danceperformance. It is especially suitable forapplicants intending to pursue professionaldance training at degree level in the future.The course enables the developmentof technical, creative and performanceskills to a level that allows students toaudition for conservatoire dance trainingprogrammes, including NSCD’s BPA(Hons) in Contemporary Dance.Bachelor of PerformingArts (BPA) Honours Degreein Contemporary DanceThe three-year BPA degree programmeis designed specifically for the educationand training of contemporary danceartists. It encompasses in-depth studyof the technical and creative elementsof contemporary dance informed bycontextual and theoretical aspects of thediscipline. To be considered for this courseapplicants will normally have successfullycompleted 2 ‘A’ levels, a BTEC NationalDiploma, a Foundation Course or anequivalent qualification.Postgraduate Diplomain Contemporary DanceThis programme offers extensiveprofessional development opportunitiesthrough one of two distinct pathways:– the Postgraduate Company, Verve,which operates as a touring repertorydance company; and– the Graduate ApprenticeshipScheme, which includes an extendedwork placement with a professionaldance companyBoth pathways provide opportunitiesfor students to develop their ability toarticulate and contextualise their artisticunderstanding through practice, as wellas through formal academic research.The course facilitates the transition fromtraining into professional practice byfocusing on the advancement of existingtechnical, creative and professional skills.It is designed for graduates of two orthree-year contemporary dance trainingprogrammes or for dance artists withsome experience.Postgraduate Diploma/MAin ChoreographyThis programme offers students aframework through which they cansignificantly develop their choreographicwork by undertaking advanced researchand development activities, whichinclude exciting opportunities to engagecollaboratively with artists from otherdisciplines (e.g. composers, visual artists,writers and film makers).To be considered for this programmeapplicants are normally expected to haveprior choreographic experience and havesuccessfully completed a three year dancetraining programme in the University orConservatoire sector. Entry is by audition,interview and the submission of a portfolioof choreographic work on DVD.The School’s higher education programmesare validated by the University of Kent.www.facebook.com/northernschoolwww.twitter.com/northernschoolRehearsal in studio 3 Rehearsal with choreographer Peter Mika Degree students in careers session / mock audition with Lloyd Newson (DV8)Verve 11 company class

Jessica Hill and MaryMannion performingUnspoken, choreographedby Debora Johnson for Verve11. The company performedto over 2500 people in theUK and internationally, ona tour that encompassed 24performances at 21 differentvenues, between Februaryand July 2011.

Final year students EdwardWarner and Katie Webster.After graduating, Edward willbe joining Transitions DanceCompany and Katie will bejoining EDge.

Shelley Brettle and MaryMannion performing DualFormula, choreographedby Peter Mika for Verve 11.Dancing Times describedthe company as being“in outstanding form atthe Linbury Studio Theatreof the Royal Opera House,Covent Garden...the fournewly commissionedworks combined toproduce a mixed billthat, while challenging,illustrated superbly thedancers’ fluidity, strengthand theatricality…a feastof pure physical dance.”

03.Foundation Course inContemporary DanceFinal year students TomTindall and Jerome Wilksperforming Parabola,choreographed byCompany Chameleon.After graduating, Tom will bejoining Verve 12 and Jeromewill be joining ACE danceand music, along with fellowNSCD graduates SadeAlleyne, Kajza Ekberg andLaura Vanhulle and Verve10 dancer Letty Mitchell.This full-time one-year course includescontemporary, ballet and supplementarytechnique training and a range of creativeand performance workshops. Performanceopportunities take place during the secondand third terms offering students theexperience of performing in a CommunityDance project in local schools and in afinal showcase at NSCD’s Riley Theatre.Students also study dance history anddevelop research and study skills.Former students have continued theirdance training on NSCD’s degree courseand at other vocational schools includingLondon Contemporary Dance School,Laban, Rambert School of Ballet andContemporary Dance, Scottish Schoolof Contemporary Dance, London StudioCentre, Millennium Dance and at a numberof universities offering dance degrees.Entry RequirementsApplicants should have successfullygained a minimum of five GCSEs(including English Language) at gradeC or above, or equivalent qualifications.Places are offered to candidatesdemonstrating the greatest potentialto benefit from the course regardlessof their previous dance experience.QualificationStudents successfully completingall course units will be awarded theAccess to Higher Education Diploma:Contemporary Dance.

04.BPA (Hons) inContemporary DanceThe Technical TrainingThe range of technical training undertakenat NSCD is designed to develop a highlevel of skill and versatility combined withan understanding of movement whichenables the dancer to respond to the variedand changing demands of contemporarychoreography.Technique classes offer a holistic approachto developing the body as an expressiveinstrument where strength, stamina andflexibility are progressed simultaneously.Fifteen to twenty hours per week areallocated to technique training andstudents are expected to supplement thiswork as necessary with their own physicalconditioning regime.The main technical elements of the courseare contemporary dance and classicalballet, which are normally taught every day.In order to develop strength and resilienceearly contemporary classes are normallyGraham based, with Cunningham basedtechnique introduced at a later stage.To complement this study students alsoexperience a range of Release-baseddance techniques and other somaticapproaches to movement. This structuredapproach is crucial to enabling thedevelopment of dance artists whoare both highly skilled and adaptable.The BPA (Hons) in Contemporary Dance is a full-time threeyeartraining programme which aims to develop versatile danceartists with strong technical skills and deep artistic awareness.This is achieved through a rigorous curriculum predominantlyfocused on studio-based practice and creative exploration,underpinned by key elements of theoretical study.In order to maximise the effectiveness ofthis approach, and to cater for the differinglevels of experience, NSCD operates a‘vertical streaming’ system. Techniqueclasses are taught at seven levels, allowingstudents to be placed at the level whichbest meets their individual needs. Progressand application are continuously monitoredand students may be transferred to anotherlevel at any time.Performance OpportunitiesIt is vital for students to make theconnection between technical training,creative exploration and performance.Accordingly, performance study drawstogether these elements providing studentsacross all year groups with a variety ofopportunities to perform their own workand work created by visiting professionalchoreographers.Performance projects are directlyconcerned with preparing studentsfor a successful performing career.Emphasis is placed on communicationthrough performance and on realisingchoreographic ideas and intentions.Integral to this approach is an on-goingprogramme of visiting professionalchoreographers who introduce studentsto different choreographic methods andstyles. Completed performance projectsare presented at NSCD’s Riley Theatre andother venues. Further information aboutthe professional choreographers who havecreated work for NSCD can be found atwww.nscd.ac.ukChoreographyNSCD’s approach is founded on thebelief that creative exploration and growthare central to the developing danceartist. Choreographic study is designedto nurture individual artistic expressionand to challenge and deepen students’understanding of choreographic andcreative processes.The nature of choreography is exploredthrough an in-depth investigation of itsexpressive elements and through thedevelopment of movement language andperformance contexts. This study is furtherextended through a consideration of therelationship between dance and othermodes of artistic expression such asmusic, visual art and literature.Through specific tasks and assignmentsstudents are encouraged to explore areasof individual artistic interest and to developtheir own choreographic voice.Movement StudiesThe Movement Studies course involvesresearch into movement as a sourceof individual artistic growth, promotingthe development of a diverse range ofphysical and expressive skills. Courseworkalso focuses on developing students’ability to generate and experiment withnew movement material, to reflect onthe creative processes involved and toarticulate the findings.Contextual StudiesContextual study supports the technical,creative and performance elements ofthe degree programme. Specific areasof study include:Year 1Critical and Reflective StudiesAn exploration of current contemporarydance practice through investigationof historical and theoretical perspectivesand reflection on personal practice.Physical Awareness and DevelopmentA practical and theoretical explorationof anatomical and physiologicalconsiderations for the dancer, including thecauses and prevention of injury and issuesrelated to fitness, nutrition and well-being.Contemporary MusicDesigned to develop and extendunderstanding of contemporary musicand its relationship to choreographyand performance.Year 2Ideas in ArtA study of the wider context of contemporarydance and its relationship to other art formssuch as music, visual art, theatre and film.Students can choose to build on this studyby focusing on a specific independentresearch project in their final year.Year 3Dance Artists in EducationAn opportunity for students to developpractical teaching skills that can betransferred for use in a range of educationor community settings.Dance and Media ArtsStudents undertake a practical andtheoretical investigation into the use of filmand multimedia technologies in the creationof dance performance.Collaborative Arts ProjectStudents have the opportunity to explorethe nature of collaborative working processesthrough their participation in an intensivecreative project. This project presents thepossibility of working with artists from otherdisciplines to produce interdisciplinary workwhich may be presented in a variety ofperformance settings.Supplementary CoursesIn addition to the taught elements,a range of short supplementarycourses complement studies acrossthe programme. These courses provideimportant experiences that draw uponkey ideas informing contemporary dancetraining and performance practice,including disciplines such as PhysicalTheatre, Contact Improvisation,Feldenkrais Method and Yoga.Entry RequirementsEntry is through successful audition andinterview. Normally candidates should haveattained 5 GCSE passes and 2 ‘A’ levelpasses. Equivalent qualifications such as aBTEC National Diploma, 4 Scottish Highersor 4 ‘AS’ level passes are also acceptable,depending on the strength of the gradesachieved. If applicants do not have therelevant academic qualifications a specialentry procedure is available. Details canbe obtained at the audition.Rehersal with Debora Johnson, Head of ChoreographyStudents watching their peers in The Riley Theatre Site specific performance in York Students enter a collaborative arts project installation / performance

05.Postgraduate Diplomain Contemporary DanceThe course is designed to facilitate thetransition from training into professionalpractice by focusing on the extension ofexisting technical, performance and artisticskills. Through this focus it functions as aframework in which students can furtherdevelop as professional dance artists whilstincreasing their employability and careeropportunities.The course comprises two programmepathways: the Postgraduate Companyand the Graduate Apprenticeship Scheme.Entry RequirementsEntry is through successful audition andinterview. The Postgraduate Diploma isopen to graduates of two/three year dancetraining programmes at higher educationlevel or to dance artists with someprofessional experience.This one-year full-time programme provides an opportunity forgraduates of vocational training courses, or dance artists withsome experience, to refine their skills and undertake extensiveprofessional development.Postgraduate CompanyNSCD’s postgraduate company, Verve,provides students with professional-levelexperience through working as a memberof a touring contemporary dance company.Verve normally comprises ten to twelvedancers and tours a programme of newwork over a six-month period to a diverserange of professional venues throughoutthe UK and selected European cities.The course is designed to foster a realisticappreciation of working in a middlescalecompany environment, whichencompasses participation in rehearsal andproduction processes, working with leadingchoreographers and fully meeting thechallenges of a professional performanceschedule. This experience also exposescompany members to the processesinvolved in successfully collaborating withother dance artists, directors, composers,musicians and designers.Choreographers who have workedwith Verve includeVerve 07 – Fin Walker; Glenn Wilkinson;Hofesh Shechter; Kim Brandstrup;Rafael Bonachela; Shobana Jeyasingh.Verve 08 – Carol Brown; DarshanSingh Bhuller; Henri Oguike; SimonBirch; Wendy Houstoun.Verve 09 – Filip van Huffel; GlennWilkinson; Jennifer-Lynn Crawford;Leanne Pike; Milan Kozánek.Verve 10 – David Zambrano; KathinkaWalter; Laïla Diallo; Luis Lara Malvacías;Michael Schumacher, Silja Thomsen.Verve 11 – CobosMika Company, DeboraJohnson, Charles Linehan, Thomas Noone,Ben Wright.Verve 12 – Akram Khan; Milan Kozánek.Working as part of the Companypromotes the career developmentof each dance artist by providingopportunities for the advanceddevelopment of individual strengths,versatility and artistic distinctiveness.Verve’s extended performance tourpresents the Company to UK andEuropean dance audiences includinginvited artistic directors, producers anddance commentators. This introductionto professional level work may also berelevant for dance artists who aspire tocreate their own companies in the future.To view the latest information aboutVerve, including the 2012 tour scheduleand the plans for Verve 13, go towww.nscd.ac.uk/verve“Verve were in outstanding form at theLinbury Studio Theatre of the RoyalOpera House, Covent Garden…a mixedbill that, while challenging, illustratedsuperbly superbly the dancers’ fluidity,strength and theatricality.”Dancing Times on Verve 11“One of the best modern dancepieces I have seen anywhere all year.”Dancing Europe on Verve 10“This excellent company danced fourspecially commissioned works that amplyrevealed the talents of the 11 graduates…they (each) allowed the qualities ofindividual dancers to shine through.”Dancing Times on Verve 09“Verve…offers interesting content,pleasingly diverse rather thandeliberately varied. The dancers revelin their work and watching talent scoutswill be impressed.”Dancing Times on Verve 08Best International ProductionITS Guest Award 2008 –Verve 08, International TheatreSchool Festival (Amsterdam)Graduate Apprenticeship SchemeThe distinctiveness of this pathwaylies in the opportunity for professionaldevelopment through a work placementof between three and seven monthswith a professional dance companyas a Graduate Apprentice.The apprenticeship opportunity allowsstudents to experience the processesinvolved in creating, rehearsing, producingand touring a professional performanceprogramme or performance project,including any related education andcommunity outreach work. The placementexperience is supported by a programmeof intensive technical training andmovement development opportunitiesdelivered at NSCD.On completion of this pathway studentswill have gained an in-depth understandingof the specific ethos and artistic directionof their host company, as well as theexpectations placed on their dancers.Professional dance companieswhere students have undertakenplacements include:– ACE dance and music– Arc Dance Company– Akram Khan Dance Company– Attik Dance– Ballett Theater München– Bonachela Dance Company– Candoco Dance Company– 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 TheFeatherstonehaughs– Tilted Productions (Maresa von Stockert)– Union Dance CompanyA significant number of ApprenticeshipScheme graduates have gone on towork professionally with one or moreof the companies listed or have securedemployment through contacts madeduring the placement. This introductionto professional level work may also berelevant for dance artists who aspire tocreate their own companies in the future.Rafael Bonachela rehearsing with Verve 07 Laïla Diallo rehearsing with Verve 10Filip van Huffel rehearsing with Verve 09Milan Kozánek rehearsing with Verve 09, Henri Oguike rehearsing with Verve 08

06.Postgraduate Diploma/MA in ChoreographyThe Postgraduate Diploma/MA in Choreography is designedto facilitate advanced choreographic development throughits focus on studio-based exploration and practice, which issupported and informed by a study and appreciation of howdance is created, performed and viewed.The course offers students a valuableopportunity to interrogate and challengetheir choreographic practice whilstdeepening their understanding of howtheir work is located within the widercontext of current contemporary dancepractice. This is achieved throughsustained engagement with choreographicexperimentation and exploration and bystudents taking responsibility for theircreative and production processes,including the presentation of their workand ideas in various performance contexts.Throughout the course of study feedback,discussion and debate are activelyencouraged through individual tutorials,group evaluations and seminars.Programme StructureIn the postgraduate stage of theprogramme, which spans the first threeterms of study, choreographic skills andunderstanding are extended through aseries of practical workshops and seminardiscussions. Students also gain theoreticaland practical experience of working withmusic, design and related technologiesin contextual and related study areas andthrough opportunities to engage with guestchoreographers, composers and artistsfrom other disciplines.Perspectives on Creative PracticeThrough a series of seminar sessionsstudents are encouraged to considera range of perspectives on creativepractice. This study is supported bya programme of guest choreographerswho are invited to discuss their personaland artistic philosophies and, wherepossible, to demonstrate aspectsof their creative process in workshopor rehearsal situations.Design & Media for PerformanceModule tutors and visiting practitionersintroduce students to a range of designconcepts and applications including filmand new media, sound and lighting design,costume, scenography and props.Research PortfolioThe research portfolio underpins thework undertaken in all other modulesproviding a means by which studentscan reflect holistically upon their creativeand professional development.MA ChoreographyOn successful completion of thepostgraduate diploma the student mayprogress onto the MA stage of study.This takes place during a fourth termwhere students embark on an independentproject involving the creation and stagingof a substantial dance work for publicperformance. The presentation ofthe performance piece is supportedby the submission of an extendedresearch portfolio.Entry RequirementsEntry is through successful audition andinterview. Candidates are asked to submitexamples of their choreographic workon DVD and are normally expected tohave prior choreographic experience andhave successfully completed a three yeardance training programme in the Universityor Conservatoire sector at HE level orprofessional level. Candidates not holdingone of these entry qualifications may applyfor accreditation of prior learning (APEL).Lotte Ghyssaert performingUnspoken, choreographedby Debora Johnson for Verve11. Lotte will be returningto her native Belgium insummer 2011 after movingto the UK to train at NSCD,firstly on the BPA(Hons)degree course and then onthe Postgraduate Diploma inContemporary Dance as partof Verve.Independent Choreographic ProjectsDuring the first two terms of study taughtsessions focus on the development ofmovement vocabulary, generating anddevising processes, the context andlocation of performance and collaborativepartnerships. Students also workindependently to create a number ofchoreographic studies and two formallypresented complete choreographic works;one for a middle-scale theatre space andthe other for a performance setting of thestudent’s own choice.

Daniel Connor and JessicaHill performing Forces,choreographed by Ben Wrightfor Verve 11. After graduating,Daniel will be joining EarthfallDance Theatre Companyand Jessica will be joiningBeingfrank Physical Theatrealong with fellow NSCDgraduate Alex Rowland.

Sheridan Sherrattand James Southwardperforming Covenant,choreographed by DebbiPurtill. Debbi is a graduateof NSCD now workingas a dance techniqueand yoga teacher, performerand choreographer. Shehas been a guest teacherand choreographer at NSCDfor the last ten years.

07.Our FacilitiesNSCD occupies a unique architectural site incorporating asympathetic mixture of old and new buildings. Based arounda listed former synagogue it houses all the modern facilitiesyou would expect from a conservatoire dance school, whilstmaintaining the site’s intrinsic character and integrity.08.SupportingYour StudiesTo help you gain the maximum benefit from your studiesNSCD provides a range of support systems.The main training facilities consist of:– 8 large dance studios;– The Riley Theatre;– the Learner Resource Centre(incorporating the library andstudent computers);– and the Video and Music Editing Suites.All dance studios have fully sprung floors andare equipped with pianos and percussioninstruments for live accompaniment. Moststudios also have ballet barrès and integratedvideo and audio replay equipment.To view a virtual tour of the facilities go to:www.youtube.com/northernschoolThe Learner Resource Centre (LRC) containsvirtually all the reference materials you willneed to support your studies: books, journals,videos, DVDs, CDs and internet access. Inaddition the LRC provides access to a rangeof dance related electronic resources. All LRCcomputers have software to support studentswith dyslexia.The Riley Theatre is a unique performancespace housed in the former synagogue.Situated at the heart of the site, it has aseating capacity of 250 and still retains manyoriginal features. The Theatre provides anideal performance space for students andvisiting professional dance companies, suchas Candoco Dance Company, PhoenixDance Theatre, Retina Dance Company,Shobana Jeyasingh Dance Company andTilted Productions.The video editing suiteChoreographer Charles LinehanTutorial and Academic SupportAll students are allocated a Personal Tutorwith whom they have regular one-to-onemeetings. In addition, subject tutors providesupport on all aspects of the training, bothpractical and academic.Additional SupportSpecialist learner support is availablethrough tutorial sessions with the LearnerSupport Tutor. For practical areas of study,technique teachers provide techniquetutorials or coaching sessions.English Language SupportThe School provides language supportclasses for international students whoneed to improve their written andspoken English.Welfare SupportWelfare support is available to all ourstudents. Where appropriate the WelfareOfficer may refer students for professionalcounselling, if requested.Health, Fitness and Injury SupportThe School, in partnership with the GoodHealth Centre in Leeds, offers a subsidisedinjury treatment scheme. The schemeallows students to access a numberof reduced-rate osteopathy (or other)treatments provided by staff from the GoodHealth Centre on the School’s premises.The School also engages the services of aconsultant osteopath to provide health andfitness advice and injury treatment.CareersThe Learner Resource Centre housesa careers section and notice boardsdedicated to professional auditionsand other opportunities. There are alsoscheduled careers sessions for third yearBPA (Hons) and Postgraduate Diplomastudents. These sessions include careersseminars with leading organisations suchas Arts Council England, Sadler’s Wells andthe National Dance Agencies, providingnetworking opportunities and buildingawareness of the infrastructure of the danceindustry. These are programmed alongsidemock auditions with leading companiessuch as Wayne McGregor|Random Dance,Shobana Jeyasingh Dance Company andThe Cholmondeleys.AccommodationStudent accommodation is plentiful inLeeds and most students from the Schoolchoose to share flats or houses closeto NSCD. The School does not have itsown student accommodation but doessubscribe to UNIPOL Student Homes,a charitable trust that helps studentsfind rented accommodation. Studentsrequiring accommodation should contactUNIPOL for assistance or attend the NSCDhousehunting day held in the summer. Thehousehunting day is a useful opportunity tomeet potential housemates whilst viewing/securing rented accommodation.UNIPOL’s website address is:www.unipol.leeds.ac.ukBPA (Hons) Contemporary Dance & Postgraduate Diploma/MA Choreography students rehearsing for the CanovaProject, ItalyThe Riley Theatre

09.Our StaffOur teaching staff are highly experienced professionalsin their chosen field. Their unique experience, passionand expertise inform our approach to dance training,ensuring that our students receive expert coachingand advice on an individual basis.Debora Johnson MAHead of ChoreographyOn completion of her training at theLondon Contemporary Dance School,Debbie performed with Tanz TheatreWien in Austria. From 1985-1991 shetaught choreography at NSCD and thenat Newcastle College, in addition to workingas a freelance choreographer. Debbiereturned to NSCD in 1996 and gainedan MA in History of Ideas at the Universityof Northumbria before taking up the postof Head of Choreography in 2003.Russell Trigg MAHead of Postgraduate StudyRussell gained an MA in Art History andTheory at the University of Essex beforetraining at NSCD. He was co-director ofNorthern Dance Company from 1988 to1992 after which he performed for theClaire Russ Ensemble, Emilyn Claid, NigelCharnock and with CandoCo. He has touredthroughout Europe as well as working andperforming for Christine Marneffe’s Les ColsRoules in France. Russell appears in StanleyKubrik’s final film ‘Eyes Wide Shut’ and wasa member of Yolande Snaith Theatredancefor five years before joining NSCD in 2002.Tiia Ourila MALecturer in Contemporary Dance& Third Year Co-ordinatorTiia studied at Rambert School of Ballet andContemporary Dance as well as at Schoolsin her native Finland and in the United States.Her dancing credits include performing withthe Finnish National Theatre and PhoenixDance Theatre where she worked withDarshan Singh Bhuller, Jeremy Nelson,Henri Oguike and Maresa von Stockert.In 2009 Tiia co-founded Mad Dogs DanceTheatre, for whom she acts as a dancerand rehearsal director. She is also Co-Director of RODA and has choreographedfor the Yorkshire Young Dancers Centrefor Advanced Training.Eric Assandri PGCLTHE, FHEALecturer in Ballet& Second Year Co-ordinatorBorn in Nice, Eric received his ballet trainingat the Conservatoire de Nice (1st Prize) andin 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 Bjørnand the soloists of the Royal Danish Ballet.Later, as Ballet Master and Assistant tothe Ballet Director in Salzburg, Eric ledrehearsals, taught the company andassisted with choreography.Kimberley Berkin PDTDLecturer in Ballet& First Year Co-ordinatorA graduate of The Royal Ballet School,Kimberley has danced professionallywith Ballet Ireland, often performing soloistroles. She has also danced with The EnglishNational Ballet in their season of Swan Lake.Kimberley came first in the Ursula MoretonChoreographic Competition (2003) andhas recently undertaken the ProfessionalDancer’s Teaching Diploma at The RoyalAcademy of Dance. She is a First Dan BlackBelt in Karate and has represented the UKin European and World championships.Shirley Jacobs PGCLTHE, FHEALecturer in Contemporary Dance& Foundation Course Co-ordinatorShirley was a founder dancer with theNational Youth Dance Company, and oneof the first cohort of students at NSCD,where she completed her professionaltraining. She went on to dance andchoreograph with the Northern DanceCompany, danced on the GulbenkianInternational Course (directed by RichardAlston) and worked with Emilyn Claid & Co.As a practitioner, Shirley has created manyprofessional works collaborating with digitalartists, film, composers and theatre directors;won first prize at the Croydon ChoreographicCompetition and was a guest choreographerat the Suzanne Dellal Festival, Israel. Shirleycompleted her BA (Hons) and postgraduatestudies at the University of Leeds and is anexperienced HE external examiner.Deborah Ford BA (Hons)Lecturer in Contemporary DanceDeborah trained at London ContemporaryDance School, following which shewas selected for 4D (now EDge), thepostgraduate performance group. Onleaving LCDS, she performed with thephysical theatre company Earthfall. Deborahthen performed and taught nationally andinternationally with The National DanceCompany of Wales, rising to the positionof senior dancer. She has worked with manychoreographers including Sean Feldman,Zvi Gotheiner, Helene Blackburn, StignCellis, Tony Mira and Juan Carlos Garcia.In July 2006 she was invited as an Associateonto The Bank Project at the Siobhan DaviesDance Studios. Deborah joined NSCD inJanuary 2007 as Rehearsal Director forVerve in its inaugural year.Andile SotiyaLecturer in Contemporary DanceAndile, originally from South Africa, trainedat The Rambert School. He has danced forPhoenix Dance Theatre and Kylie Minogueand been an Associate Artist at The Place.He has also held a residency at YorkshireDance and at BIFHE commissionedby Dance Northern Ireland. Andile haschoreographed his own projects and fornumerous companies including ACE danceand music, BareBones Dance Company,Northern Youth Dance Company andPhoenix Dance Theatre, and has beennominated for various choreographic prizesand awards.Debbi PurtillLecturer in Contemporary DanceDebbi is a dance technique and yogateacher, performer and choreographer, whotrained at Northern School of ContemporaryDance. Her performance career hasencompassed both dance and theatre andshe has worked with choreographers anddirectors including Nigel Charnock, DavidMassingham, Simon Birch, Emma Diamondand Alan Lyddiard. For the past ten yearsshe has been a dancer and rehearsal directorwith balletLORENT. Debbi was previouslyCourse Leader for the HND in Dance atNewcastle College and has been a guestteacher at NSCD for the last ten years,teaching Graham Technique.Jennifer-Lynn Crawford MALecturer in Release TechniqueJennifer-Lynn studied at Quinte Ballet Schooland School of Toronto Dance Theatre. Therecipient of both a Chevening Scholarshipand Chalmers Grant, she continued hertraining with EDge, the postgraduateperformance group at London ContemporaryDance School. She performed extensivelywith Hofesh Shechter’s deGENERATIONtour, has been a participant in SiobhanDavies’ Bank Project and teaches freelancein Norway and London. As a practitionershe continues to pursue research throughboth devising and performative work; herchoreography has been programmed aspart of the Verve 09 tour, at various venuesin London, Leeds, Holland and Toronto,and she has been a finalist in Stuttgart’sInternational Solo Tanz Theatre Festival.Francesca McCarthy MALecturer in Ballet and Contextual StudiesFrancesca trained at the Northern BalletSchool and London Contemporary DanceSchool. She has taught dance at MiddlesexUniversity, London Contemporary DanceSchool, The Place, The Urdang Academyand in Tromsø, Norway. She has also beena guest ballet teacher for the ShobanaJeyasingh Dance Company and RehearsalDirector for Smallpetitklein. She hasperformed in Norway as well as participatingin independent projects and the Leap intoDance Festival (London), along with workingon collaborations with musicians fromGuildhall School of Music. In 2008 Francescawas awarded a MA with distinction byLondon Contemporary Dance School,specialising in Dance Education and Training.Clive Wilkinson MALecturer in Contemporary Music,Contextual and Choreographic StudiesClive studied composition at the Universitiesof York and Keele with Richard Orton andRoger Marsh and studied at DartingtonInternational Summer School with SirHarrison Birtwistle (UK), Lou Harrison (US)and Jo Kondo (Japan). He was Artist inResidence at the Banff Centre for the Artsin Canada. Clive has published a numberof CDs. His scores are published by FrogPeak Music and his music has beenbroadcast and performed internationally. Heis also an expert on Javanese Gamelan andhis graphic score Ocean Sea features in therecently published anthology Notations 21.Kathinka Walter MALecturer in Choreographic StudiesKathinka trained at NSCD, gained an MA(Distinction) in Choreography from LondonContemporary Dance School and is currentlyundertaking a practise-led PhD at LeedsUniversity. She has produced numerousmixed-media performance installations,presented in England and Germany, andbeen awarded a Lisa Ullman travelling award,funding from Arts Council England, and theCDD scholarship. In 2009 she was selectedfor Yorkshire Dance’s LIFT programme.Apart from her choreographic work, Kathinkaalso writes for the German dance magazineTanzRaum, works as the dramaturge forthe dance company MotionManual andteaches yoga.James Else PhDLecturer in Contextual StudiesJames studied music at the University ofGlasgow, King’s College London and theRoyal Academy of Music before gaininga PhD in composition from the Universityof York. His music has been performedthroughout the UK and Ireland and he hascollaborated extensively with choreographersfrom NSCD. James also works in the TVindustry and has produced The AdventureShow for BBC Scotland for the last threeyears. He recently produced a commercialCD/DVD featuring James Lancelot playingElgar’s Organ Sonata No 1.Ros LehanyDyslexia / Learner Support TutorRos trained as a dyslexia tutor withDyslexia Action. She was their AdultDyslexia Coordinator in Leeds for 5 yearsand has been a tutor on their postgraduatecourse. As an independent consultant shedelivers training to staff in other educationalestablishments and carries out assessmentsto support DSA applications. She is currentlythe chair of the Association of DyslexiaSpecialists in Higher EducationPeter Dunleavy BSc (Hons) OstConsultant OsteopathPreviously a professional dancer workingwith independent artists, and for overa decade with London ContemporaryDance Theatre, Peter went on tostudy Osteopathic Medicine. He rana private practice specialising in thecare of professional athletes, dancers,fighters etc before concentrating solelyon providing osteopathic treatmentand biomechanical screening for youngdancers training at conservatoire schools.He also lectures on anatomy for dancers atundergraduate level. Martial arts have alwaysbeen an interest and although not practicinganymore, he holds a Shodan in ShotokanKarate and Nidan Aikido.Georgia Cooper BA (Hons), MBACPStudent Welfare OfficerA Textile graduate, Georgia’s initialassociation with contemporary dance wasas a costume designer for NSCD and leadingcompanies including Phoenix Dance Theatre,Northern Ballet and RJC Dance. Throughthis work she developed an interest in theemotional impact of dance training and thisled her to embark on a professional careeras a counsellor.

Studio 3. NSCD has 8 largedance studios. All studioshave fully sprung floors andare equipped with pianosand percussion instruments,as all technique classesfeature live accompaniment.Most studios also haveballet barrès. The studiosare available for students’own use when not beingused for classes.

Final year studentMarine Besnard performingParabola, performedby Company Chameleon.After graduating Marine willbe joining Verve 12 and aspart of the company willwork with choreographersincluding Akram Khanand Milan Kozánek.

10.A Career inContemporary DanceOur courses prepare students for what can be a demandingand competitive profession. The training is therefore rigorousand challenging, requiring a high level of commitment anddetermination. This approach enables our students to continueto succeed in the field of professional contemporary danceand is recognised as the hallmark of NSCD’s ethos.Hal Smith and RosannahCarrick performing Cascade,choreographed by CharlesLinehan for Verve 11. Aftergraduating, Hal, along withfinal year student MelissaUgolini, will be joining JamesWilton Dance Company.The relevance of our training practice isfurther strengthened by our close linkswith the professional dance world. Thesepartnerships provide students with valuableopportunities to make contact with danceartists, choreographers and companydirectors. To assist third year degree andpostgraduate diploma students we run acomprehensive careers programme whichincludes mock auditions with leadingdance companies and important adviceon successfully managing a freelance or‘portfolio’ career.Here are some of the dancecompanies our graduates have joined:– ACE dance and music– Adventures in Motion Pictures– Adzido Dance– Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (USA)– Arc Dance Company– Attic Dance– Badejo Arts– balletLORENT– Bonachela Dance Company– Candoco Dance Company– Carlson Dance Company– Carte Blanche– Compagnie Thor (Belgium)– Dance Theatre of Harlem (USA)– Dance Theatre of Ireland– Diamond Dance– DV8 Physical Theatre– Earthfall– Henri Oguike Dance Company– Hofesh Shechter Dance Company– Irie Dance Company– Jasmin Vardimon Dance Company– Kibbutz Contemporary DanceCompany (Israel)– Kompany Malakhi– Ludus Dance Company– Maria Cardonia Dance Company (Spain)– Miami Contemporary DanceCompany (USA)– Motionhouse– National Dance Company Wales(formerly Diversions)– New Art Club– Phoenix Dance Theatre– Protein Dance– Retina Dance Company– RJC Dance– 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 andThe Featherstonehaughs– Union Dance Company– Vincent Dance Theatre– Wayne McGregor|Random Dance– X FactorAdditionally, many ex-students havepursued careers as choreographersor set up their own companies. Notableexamples include Akram Khan, BenjiReid, Debbi Purtill, Emily Burns, FleurDarkin, Kwesi Johnson, Robert Hylton,Ross Cooper, Simon Birch, TamsinFitzgerald and Tom Roden.“I have always been inspired by theamazing energy, creativity, technicalfacility, human qualities and openmindedness that are demonstrated bythe NSCD students. I work at severaldance institutions around Europe andfeel that NSCD graduates are amongstthe most employable dancers/performers.Hence for my current production,Layers of Skin, I am working withthree ex-NSCD students.”Filip Van Huffel, Artistic DirectorRetina Dance Company“I have had the good fortune to build mycompany with the integral support of anumber of NSCD alumni who have featuredas long term dancers, collaborators andAssistant Directors. It is no coincidencethat I so often find the kind of artist Ineed in graduates of this school; creative,professional and generous of spirit.”Liv Lorent, Artistic Director balletLORENT“A consistent source of excellence indance, producing an extraordinary rangeof talent. When you look at the dancelandscape across the UK, the legacythe Northern School has created in itsrelatively short life is significant. I lookforward with great anticipation to thenew ideas and innovation from futureperformers, dance makers, danceeducators, producers and managersemerging from this creative environment.”Janet Archer, Director,Dance Arts Council England“A power base for training and nurturingyoung dance artists; the rostra of talentthat has emerged from the school overthe last 25 years speaks for itself.”Kenneth Olumuyiwa Tharp OBE,Chief Executive The Place

11.Our GraduatesHere are brief biographies of some of our graduates:Sharon WatsonAkram KhanSarita PiotrowskiAnthony MissenLisa WelhamIra SiobhanGail ParmelTamsin FitzgeraldGary ClarkeKevin TurnerSimon PalmerKip JohnsonSharon WatsonIn 2010, Sharon was named as one ofthe Cultural Leadership Programme’s50 Women to Watch in the UK. Trainedat London Contemporary Dance Schooland NSCD, she has performed andchoreographed for companies across theUK, before being engaged as Lecturer inContemporary Dance at NSCD, Rehearsaland Tour Director for Phoenix DanceTheatre and Director of Learning andAccess at Northern Ballet. In 2006 sheembarked upon a fellowship with the CloreLeadership Programme. In 2008 Sharonwas one of 26 aspiring leaders from aroundthe globe selected to attend Dance East’sfourth Rural Retreat, an intensive four daythink-tank exploring the challenges of therole of Artistic Directors in the 21st century.Sharon was appointed Artistic Director ofPhoenix Dance Theatre in May 2009.Gail ParmelGail Parmel, who in 2010 was nominated asone of the Cultural Leadership Programme’s50 Women to Watch in the UK, is the ArtisticDirector of ACE dance and music (AfricanCultural Exchange), the UK’s premier Blackdance organisation. Born in Leeds in 1970,Gail graduated from NSCD in 1990. Afterworking for Kokuma Dance Company, sheand husband Ian Parmel established ACEdance and music in 1997. An internationaltouring company, ACE have been regularlyfunded by Arts Council England since2006. Gail is a resilient champion of youthdance; the award winning ACE Youth,founded in 1998, is now one of the UK’smost high profile youth companies.Akram Khan MBEAkram Khan is one of the most acclaimedchoreographers of his generation workingin Britain today. He began presenting soloperformances in the 1990s, maintaining hiscommitment to classical kathak as well asmodern work. After graduating from NSCDin 1998 he launched Akram Khan DanceCompany, a platform for innovation and adiverse range of work through collaborationwith artists from other disciplines includingartist Anish Kapoor, composer NitinSawhney, dancer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui,sculptor Antony Gormley, ballerina SylvieGuillem and Oscar-winning actress JulietteBinoche. Akram is currently an AssociateArtist at Sadler’s Wells, London. He hasbeen the recipient of numerous awardsthroughout his career and was awardedan MBE for services to dance in 2005.Tamsin FitzgeraldAfter graduating in 1998 Tamsin founded2Faced Dance Company, which willbecome an Arts Council National PortfolioOrganisation in 2012. In 2007 she receivedthe Rayne Fellowship for Choreographyand in 2008 became Associate Artist atDanceXchange, Birmingham. Tamsin hasworked with Hofesh Shechter, AustralianDance Theatre, The Ballet Boyz andBirmingham Rep, and choreographed andtaught at The Place, NSCD and the Centrefor Advanced Training in Birmingham. Herfirst book, Hip-Hop and Urban Dance, waspublished in 2009. Tamsin has also been aguest speaker at the National Youth DanceConference and at the National DanceTeachers Association conference and is amember of the West Midlands Youth DanceAdvisory Board.Sarita PiotrowskiSarita completed both the foundation anddegree programmes at NSCD before joiningthe Graduate Diploma in ContemporaryDance, undertaking her apprenticeshipwith Random Dance Company. She thendanced with Henri Oguike Dance Companyand Diversions Dance for six years. In 2008Sarita embarked on a freelance career,allowing her to mix ongoing contemporaryprojects with commercial work includingTake That, the Pet Shop Boys, Cheryl Cole,La Roux and Leona Lewis. Sarita has alsohad featured roles in short dance films TheJaffa Man by Robert Hylton, Blank Canvasfor State of Flux/Heather Eddington and theHBO series Game of Thrones.Gary ClarkeSince graduating in 2001, Gary hasworked and collaborated with someof the most innovative dance companiesand choreographers in Europe,including The Cholmondeleys & TheFeatherstonehaughs, Adventures in MotionPictures, balletLORENT, Retina DanceCompany, Maresa von Stockert’s TiltedProductions, Phoenix Dance Theatre, OperaNorth, Javier De Frutos, Nigel Charnock andWendy Houstoun. Gary is also an awardwinningchoreographer whose cuttingedge work has toured both nationallyand internationally, and been featured inprestigious festivals including British DanceEdition and Spring Loadedat The Place. He has created work forLudus Dance Company, Phoenix DanceTheatre, Homotopia, StopGAP DanceCompany, NSCD, Dance4 and AscendanceREP. Gary is currently an Associate Artistat Yorkshire Dance.Anthony MissenAfter training at NSCD, Anthony dancedwith companies including Scottish DanceTheatre, Cie. Willi Dorner, Mad DogsDance Theatre and Cassanidance; andchoreographers including Rui Horta, DidiVeldman and Liv Lorent. He has alsoworked with Dundee Rep Theatre andNational Theatre of Scotland as an actorand movement director. Anthony has taughtat most of the major British contemporarydance institutions, to several professionaldance companies, and has taught freelanceacross Europe. He has also choreographedwork for Scottish Dance Theatre andScottish School of Contemporary Dance.In 2007 Anthony established CompanyChameleon, with Kevin Turner.Kevin TurnerWhilst at NSCD Kevin performed and touredwith the National Youth Dance Companyand Beth Cassani. He has since performedwith Rambert Dance Company, ScottishDance Theatre, Phoenix Dance Theatre,Cassanidance, Rubberbandancegroup(Canada), Henri Oguike Dance Company,Company Decalage, Mad Dogs DanceTheatre and Roda. In 2008 Kevin wasAssociate Artist at NSCD with CompanyChameleon, which he established in 2007with Anthony Missen. He has taught inmost major British contemporary danceinstitutions, as well as in Canada, the USA,Spain, Hungary and the Caribbean.Lisa WelhamLisa graduated from NSCD in 2002 with afirst class honours degree and was awardedthe University of Leeds Armes Prize foroutstanding achievement. Since graduatingLisa has been a member of RafaelBonachela Dance Company, Phoenix DanceTheatre, Henri Oguike Dance Company, MadDogs Dance Theatre and Walker Dance ParkMusic. She recently performed in The PetShop Boys’ production ‘The Most IncredibleThing’ at Sadler’s Wells, choreographed byJavier De Frutos, and is currently workingwith choreographer Cameron McMillan tocreate a duet to be performed at the RoyalOpera House, Covent Garden.Simon PalmerSimon grew up in Essex where hedeveloped a keen interest in the performingarts, studying piano and voice. He begandancing at the age of 16 and joined theBPA (Hons) degree in Contemporary Danceat NSCD, graduating in 2005. He dancedfor Motion Manual and Lucy Suggatebefore returning to the school in 2007to become one of the founding membersof Verve. Simon went on to join Maresavon Stockert’s Tilted Productions,with whom he still works. He regularlycollaborates with artists of other disciplines,most recently working with Theatre Ritesin Essen, Germany.Ira SiobhanIra graduated from NSCD in 2006 with afirst class honours degree and the awardfor the Best Performer of the Year. In 2007Ira performed with NSCD’s PostgraduatePerformance Company, Verve, and wasawarded a Postgraduate Diploma inContemporary Dance, with Distinction.Ira joined DV8 Physical Theatre Companyin 2007, performing ‘To Be Straight withYou’ nationally and internationally, andjoined Richard Alston Dance Companyin December 2008.Kip JohnsonKip began dancing at the age of 16.Originally based in the South West ofEngland he moved to Lancaster andjoined Ludus Youth Company. Kipgraduated from NSCD in 2009 and wasawarded the NSCD performance prize.Since graduating he has worked withLea Anderson of The Cholmondeleys,Funny Bones (Barebones for Children),Vincent Dance Theatre, Protein DanceCompany (toured with LOL) and TiltedProductions (Seasaw).

Final year students TomTindall and Jerome Wilksperforming Parabola,choreographed by CompanyChameleon. Formed andco-directed by NSCDgraduates Anthony Missenand Kevin Turner, CompanyChameleon has recentlybecome part of Arts CouncilEngland’s National Portfolio.This will ensure regularfunding and continuedinvestment in recognitionof the quality and reach ofthe company’s performanceand educational work.

Final year student DaisyNatale. During her final yearDaisy worked with NationalDance Company Waleson their apprenticeshipprogramme Plunge. Aftergraduating, Daisy willcontinue to perform withPlunge, as well as takingpart in choreo5, a research,creative and performanceproject led by choreographerand NSCD graduateTanja Råman.

12.Life at NSCDOver its 25-year history NSCD has trained numerousdance artists, each contributing to the School and thedance community in their own distinct way. Here arejust some of their experiences:13.Living in LeedsOver recent years Leeds has developed into one of the UK’smost exciting, prosperous and dynamic cities. It has a studentpopulation of over 200,000 and was voted the Best UKUniversity Destination by The Independent.My time at NSCD has enabled me todevelop as a confident individual alongsidedeveloping my technique and creativity. Itwas a pleasure to spend three years arounda large group of inspiring young adults andI am now looking forward to an internshipwith AXIS dance company, California.Katherine Hounsell, graduated 2010Nearly all the past Northern studentsI have met during my time as a studentand as a graduate have been humbleand grounded; and, whether technicallyor creatively, individual and strong. Makeno mistake, you work hard, but you reapwhat you sow. If you know what you wantfrom dance, and you have the desire toachieve it, Northern can provide a goodnurturing ground for this.Kip Johnson, graduated 2009As a foreign student you can counton heaps of support from staff andyour colleagues, which helps make hardtimes bearable! NSCD is a fantastic placewhere you will work harder than you haveever worked before, in good conditionsand in an encouraging environment.You are expected to take responsibilityto research your own interests as an artist.If you accept the challenge, NSCD isthe place to explore and experiment.Judith Clijsters, graduated 2008It was well worth the sweat, tears andhard work. I would recommend theschool any day… I am proud to saythat I trained at NSCD.Amanda Lewis, graduated 2004They worked me hard at NSCD butI still had fun learning contemporary.From a B-Boy to a ballet boy….Inspirational students and supportivestaff. Serious and stern but still gamefor a laugh. It’s a pleasure being partof the school’s community.Bobak Walker, graduated 2004I always remember the first time I steppedinto my first pair of ballet shoes. Squeakyclean leather with black elastic sewn in acriss-cross by my mother. I had the sameshoes for 3 years and still have them to thisday. They are unrecognisable. Battered,bruised and shaggy from the endless hoursof Tendus and Ronds de jambes in Studio 7.Gary Clarke, graduated 2001When I think back to the dreams I hadabout becoming a dancer – walkingthrough the doors of Northern seemedto be the answer to becoming the dancerI’d imagined I could be.Simone Foster, graduated 2001NSCD opens the doors to your body –your SELF – and all the endless possibilitiesthere are for you. Do it through dance.Niamh Condron, graduated 1999It is people that make a moment in timea memorable one. In the four years I spentat NSCD as a foundation student and adegree student I experienced the full rangeof the emotional scale, from feelings ofinadequacy to complete joy, and I am trulygrateful for it because it taught me the mostvaluable lesson of all. Quite simply I learnedthat you get out of life what you put in andsometimes the hardships and the pain arewhat are necessary to truly appreciate therewards. For this I thank NSCD.Sonja Cimelli, graduated 1998My experience at NSCD will always be withme and has given me the passion and thelove of dance to pass onto young people.I will never forget my time, it has had ahuge impact on who I am as a person.Emma Jenkins, graduated 1998Dancing my graduation solo ‘Points ofDeparture’ to Schubert on my last nightas a NSCD student…Amanda Weaver’ssolo in ‘Beyond a Cliff’ by Dwight Roden.That piece, the music and the dancersis my strongest memory in danceperformance to this day.Nick Bryson, graduated 1997A contact improvisation workshopNewly opened home to Northern Ballet / Phoenix DanceTheatre. Photography: Jonathan TaylorLeeds is home to some of the best theatrevenues outside London including theacclaimed West Yorkshire Playhouse, andthe more traditional and newly refurbishedGrand Theatre. Phoenix Dance Theatre isbased in Leeds as are Northern Ballet,RJC Dance and Opera North. The Yorkshireregion also hosts national and internationaltouring dance companies such as MerceCunningham Dance Company, NetherlandsDance Theatre and Alvin Ailey AmericanDance Theatre.The city centre is full of superb bars,restaurants and clubs catering for alltastes and styles. Leeds is also greatfor shopping with its mix of high streetfavourites, unique boutiques andbeautifully restored Victorian arcades.Away from the hustle and bustle Leedshas an excellent art gallery, as well asthe Henry Moore Institute and the RoyalArmouries. The Yorkshire Sculpture Parkis just a few miles down the M1 and nearbyBradford is home to the National MediaMuseum. If you want to get away fromit all, a short journey will take you to thepeace and quiet of the Yorkshire Dales,the North Yorkshire Moors and the eastcoast’s stunning landscapes whichhave inspired numerous artists overthe centuries.For further information about Leedslife, here are a few websites you maywant to visit:Leeds visitor information:www.leedsliveitloveit.comLeeds City Council:www.leeds.gov.ukLeeds City Museum and Art Gallery:www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleriesLeeds International Film Festival:www.leedsfilm.comLocal news:www.bbc.co.uk/leedsPhoenix Dance Theatre:www.phoenixdancetheatre.co.ukWest Yorkshire Playhouse:www.wyplayhouse.co.ukYorkshire Dance Centre:www.yorkshiredance.comCultural listings:www.digyorkshire.comReviews and commentson the City of Leeds:The UK’s Favourite CityCondé Nast Traveller magazineThe Readers’ Traveller AwardsBest Place in Britain to LiveUrban Behaviours survey, HenleyManagement CollegeBest UK University DestinationThe IndependentVisitor City of the YearThe Good Britain GuideNumber One City for ClubbingMixmag Music Dance AwardsThe UK’s most female friendly cityFuture Laboratories ‘Tigra Town’ ResearchThe UK’s best shopping destinationRough Guide to BritainOne of the UK’s top cities forrestaurantsWhich? Good Food GuideThe UK’s leading centre for businessand financial services outside LondonONS Annual Business InquiryRehearsal in Studio 3Students discussing a performance with staff

14.Applying and Auditioning15.FeesLeeds. The most cost effective place to study in Britain.RBS Student Living Index 2007The closing dates for completedapplications are:Foundation Course4th May 2012BPA (Hons), PGDip and MA CoursesClosing dates will be published onour website in Autumn 2011. It isrecommended that applications arereceived before 30th March 2012.To make an application go towww.nscd.ac.uk and follow the‘apply online’ link. If you have anyqueries please call Admissionson +44 (0)113 219 3050, or emailadmissions@nscd.ac.ukAs a conservatoire-level traininginstitution NSCD is unique in offeringdance training courses from foundationto postgraduate diploma/MA level.Applicants should carefully consider thelevel of study they wish to undertake asit is important to have the appropriate priorexperience to fully benefit from each of theprogrammes on offer. This is particularlyrelevant for applicants wishing to auditionfor NSCD’s Postgraduate Diplomaprogramme pathways.For the Foundation course or the BPA(Hons) it is not unusual, however, forapplicants with outstanding potential butwith less experience to be offered a place.The qualifications required for eachcourse are noted with the coursedescriptions, which can be foundearlier in the prospectus.Due to the distinct and specialist natureof our courses and the need for an auditionprocess, you must apply directly to NSCDand not through the UCAS system. Theapplication process is the same for theFoundation, Degree and PostgraduateDiploma/MA courses.NSCD welcomes applications fromdisabled people. If you have a learningdifficulty (e.g. dyslexia) or a disability(e.g. asthma, epilepsy, visual or sensoryimpairment) we would encourage youto disclose this at the earliest opportunityso we can make appropriate arrangementsto meet your needs.The Audition ProcessAll applicants are offered an audition,which will be on the first available auditiondate after receipt of the application. It isnot possible to audition for deferred entrydue to the nature of the courses.The audition process is designed to assessan applicant’s potential as a dance artistand their suitability for the course. Auditionsare held in Leeds and each one normallyattracts up to 40 prospective students.Auditions are also held in mainland Europe– please ask for further details whenmaking your application.A non-refundable audition fee of £40.00is payable for Degree and PostgraduateDiploma/MA applicants and £25.00 forFoundation applicants. Applicants whoanticipate having difficulty paying theaudition fee should contact Admissionson +44 (0)113 219 3050, or emailadmissions@nscd.ac.uk, prior to applying.More detailed information about theaudition process, audition dates andonline application can be found atwww.nscd.ac.ukNon-UK ResidentsApplicants for the Foundation course,BPA(Hons) degree course and PGDip/MA in Choreography, based outside theUK who are unable to audition in Leedsor attend one of the European auditions,may submit an audition videotape/DVD/VCD. For the Foundation course andBPA(Hons) degree course applicantsshould feature themselves in a techniqueclass and performing a dance solo. Forthe PGDip/MA in Choreography applicantsshould feature themselves performing adance solo along with examples of theirchoreographed work.Video applications are not acceptedfor the PGDip in Contemporary Dance.Please contact Admissions for full detailson +44 (0)113 219 3050 or send an emailto admissions@nscd.ac.ukFoundation Course inContemporary DanceThe student contribution to course feesfor 2012/13 has yet to be confirmed butwill not be less than the current year’s fee(£1,090). This fee is not charged to UKand EU students aged under 19. Studentsaged between 19 and 24 who have notpreviously studied for a full level threequalification (i.e. the equivalent of 2 ‘A’levels) may also be entitled to a fee waiver.International StudentsNon EU international students arerequired to pay the full cost of their tuition.Fees for 2012/13 have yet to be agreedbut will not be less than the current year’sfees (£5,360).BPA (Hons) in Contemporary DanceAs has been well documented in themedia, there is going to be a significantchange to the way that higher educationis funded in the UK from 2012 onwards.As with the instigation of any new system,we understand that this could potentiallybe a confusing time for prospectivestudents. We will endeavour to providethe most current and relevant informationavailable to us on our websitewww.nscd.ac.uk. For new UK andEU students the student contributionto course fees for 2012/13 will be £9,000.The real cost of the world-class, intensiveprofessional training provided at NSCDis at least £17,000 per student per year.Financial support availableNSCD is committed to continue recruitingthe best students from across the UK,Europe and internationally whatevertheir backgrounds. We will continue tooffer a package of financial support forundergraduates. Students will also haveaccess to both a new CDD ScholarshipScheme and the Government’s newNational Scholarship Programme,both offering generous levels offinancial support to students.Government support for English studentsincludes loans to cover fees and livingcosts, and a more generous maintenancegrant for students with household incomesof less than £42,600. Students startingundergraduate courses for the first timewill pay nothing until they finish their courseand are earning a minimum salary (currentlyset at £21,000 per year).Students may be able to obtain differentgovernment-supported fee remissiondepending on where they are domiciledwithin the UK. Further information isavailable from http://studentfinanceyourfuture.direct.gov.uk/costsFurther detail about the levels of feewaivers available will be publishedon our website as soon as they areconfirmed. This information is expectedin September 2011.International StudentsInformation on fees for internationalstudents from 2012 onwards willbe announced on the website inAutumn 2011.Living ExpensesMost undergraduate students from the UKstudying at publicly funded colleges anduniversities are eligible for student loansand other financial support. Applicantsshould contact ‘Student Finance England’if you are interested in applying for astudent loan. When applying you shouldmake it clear that you would be a studentregistered with the Conservatoire forDance and Drama. For further informationstudents are encouraged to keep checkingthe Conservatoire for Dance and Dramawebste: www.cdd.ac.uk.In addition to student loans, livingexpenses are often supplemented bystudents undertaking part-time work,which is fairly easy to find in Leeds.Postgraduate Diploma inContemporary Dance andPostgraduate Diploma inChoreographyThe student contribution to postgraduatecourse fees for 2012/13 has yet to beconfirmed but will not be less than thecurrent year’s fee (£4,370). The fee willbe confirmed in Autumn 2011. Financialsupport for living expenses is not normallyavailable for postgraduate courses.However, NSCD may be able to providefinancial support for students on thecourse through School bursaries andfunding provided through the generoussupport of The Leverhulme Trust.International StudentsInformation on fees for internationalstudents from 2012 onwards will beannounced on the website in Autumn 2011.MA in Choreography (fourth termfollowing Postgraduate Diploma)The additional fee for the extra termneeded to complete the MA inChoreography for 2012/13 has yetto be confirmed but will not be lessthan the current year’s fee (£1,420).International StudentsInformation on fees for internationalstudents from 2012 onwards will beannounced on the website in Autumn 2011.Further informationFor information on financial supportavailable from Conservatoire for Danceand Drama, please visit: www.cdd.ac.uk.We strongly recommend visiting our websitefor a list of helpful sources of informationregarding the new student finance systemfor undergraduates: www.nscd.ac.uk or callNSCD Finance Department: 0113 219 3002.

Rosannah Carrick andDaniel Connor performingCascade, choreographedby Charles Linehan forVerve 11. Both Rosannahand Daniel completed theBPA(Hons) degree at NSCDbefore joining Verve andgaining the PostgraduateDiploma in ContemporaryDance in 2011.

Lotte Ghyssaert performingForces, choreographedby Ben Wright for Verve11. For excerpts from theVerve 11 touring programme,alongside other footageof students’ work, goto www.youtube.com/northernschool.

Final year student AlexandraPickering. Alexandra waswith Yorkshire Young Dancers(YYD) for two years beforegaining a place on theBPA(Hons) degree course.NSCD runs the contemporarystrand of YYD, a prevocationalnational Centrefor Advanced Training,alongside Northern Ballet’sballet strand. For furtherinformation on the schemego to www.nscd.ac.uk/yyd orwww.nationaldancecats.co.uk.

16.Maps and DirectionsEdinburghNewcastleCardiffLeedsManchesterBirminghamLondonInner Ring Rd.UniversityLeeds/BradfordAirport (approx. 8 miles)HospitalTown HallM606From North/A61/A6120(Via Harrogate Road)MerrionCentreA61SheepscarInterchangeClay Pit LaneNorth St.Bus Sta.Tetley’sBreweryChapeltown Rd.Follow signsfor ChapeltownRegent St.Louis St.Leopold St.Barrack Rd.Inner Ring Rd.WestYorkshirePlayhouseNorthern School ofNSCDContemporary DanceA58York RoadValidation and Accreditationof ProgrammesThe Foundation Course in ContemporaryDance is accredited by the OpenCollege Network Yorkshire and HumberRegion (OCNYHR). The BPA (Hons) inContemporary Dance, the PostgraduateDiploma in Contemporary Danceand the Postgraduate Diploma/MAin Choreography are validated by theUniversity of Kent.Please note: Every effort has been madeto ensure the accuracy of the informationcontained within this prospectus. However,NSCD reserves the right to introducechanges to the information given includingthe addition, withdrawal or restructuring ofprogrammes. This prospectus is issued oncondition that it does not form part of anycontract between NSCD and any student.Designwww.leegoater.comPhotographyChris Nash, with additionalphotography by Brian SlaterPrintwww.evolutionprint.co.ukOuter cover:Second year degreestudent JamesSouthward performingCovenant, choreographedby Debbi Purtill for theStudent Showcaseperformances 2011.Cover shot:Final year degree studentRosana Afonso Ribeiroperforming Palm DesertC.A. choreographed byJames Wilton for theStudent Showcaseperformances 2011.ArmleyRoundaboutTrain StationRoyalArmouriesHunslet Rd.UnderpassM621JCT 3Hunslet DistributorJCT 2JCT 4FromM62FromM1CarType LS7 4BH into your Sat Nav, or followthe directions below.From M1The M1 becomes the M621 just outsideLeeds. Continue on the M621, exitingat J4. Follow signs to Harrogate. Youwill pass Tetley’s Brewery on the left, thenthe West Yorkshire Playhouse on the right.Continue to follow signs to Harrogate untilyou pick up signs to Chapeltown. NSCD isjust beyond the Sheepscar interchange, onthe right, opposite the Norma Hutchinsonpark (approximately 4 miles in total fromthe motorway).From M62 (East)Take the M1 north at J29 and then followdirections above.From M62 (West)Leave the M62 at J27 and take the M621into Leeds. Exit at J2, and follow signs toHarrogate via the Armley roundabout. Thiswill take you onto the Inner Ring Road fora short stretch. Exit at the Harrogate sign.Pick up Chapeltown signs. NSCD is justbeyond the Sheepscar interchange, onthe right.From the NorthAt the A61/A6120 roundabout on the LeedsOuter Ring Road, follow signs to Leeds. Atnext immediate roundabout take HarrogateRoad (not the A61) through Moortown andChapel Allerton. Harrogate Road then turnsinto Chapeltown Road and NSCD will beon the left.BusTake bus number 2, 3, 3a or 48 from standV4 in Leeds City Centre (opposite KirkgateMarket) to Chapeltown (approximately10 minutes). The bus stop is locatedon Chapeltown Road opposite NSCD,alongside the Norma Hutchinson park.TrainThere are frequent trains to Leeds frommost parts of the UK. Leeds City Stationis located in the centre of town, a shorttaxi or bus ride to NSCD.PlaneLeeds Bradford International airportis approximately a 25 minute drivefrom NSCD, or a 30 minute bus journeyfrom Leeds City Centre (bus number757). Flights operate within the UK,Europe and worldwide. For a full listof destinations and further details seewww.leedsbradfordairport.co.uk.

Northern School ofContemporary Dance98 Chapeltown RoadLeeds LS7 4BHUnited KingdomTel: +44 (0)113 219 3000Fax: +44 (0)113 219 3030info@nscd.ac.ukwww.nscd.ac.ukwww.youtube.com/northernschoolwww.facebook.com/northernschoolwww.twitter.com/northernschool

Northern School ofContemporary Dance98 Chapeltown RoadLeeds LS7 4BHUnited KingdomTel: +44 (0)113 219 3000Fax: +44 (0)113 219 3030info@nscd.ac.ukwww.nscd.ac.ukwww.youtube.com/northernschoolwww.facebook.com/northernschoolwww.twitter.com/northernschool