Northern School of Contemporary Dance - Conservatoire for Dance ...

Northern School ofContemporary DanceProspectus 2011/12

Letty Mitchell and RobertGoodby performing in Verve10. The company undertooka 21 date tour, performingto more than 2000 peopleover a 5 month period with arepertory of 6 commissionedpieces.01. Welcome02. Our Courses03. Foundation Course inContemporary Dance04. BPA (Hons) in Contemporary Dance05. Postgraduate Diploma inContemporary Dance06. Postgraduate Diploma/MAin 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 DirectionsThe 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,dance is something wetake seriously. It’s not oneof many different subjectswe teach - it’s the only subject.Dance is not a passing fador 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/northernschoolPrincipal and Artistic Director– Gurmit HukamChair of Governors– Peter GruenPatrons– Akram Khan MBE– Darshan Singh BhullerStudents 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 artsin England. 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 our aimof 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-vocational trainingin contemporary dance performance.It is especially suitable for applicantsintending to pursue professional dancetraining 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, whichoperates as a touring repertory dancecompany; and– the Graduate Apprenticeship Scheme,which includes an extended workplacement with a professional dancecompanyBoth pathways provide opportunitiesfor students to develop their ability toarticulate and contextualise their artisticunderstanding through practice, as well asthrough 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/northernschoolFilip van Huffel with Verve 09 workshop with choreographer Henrietta Hale rehearsing solo for student showcaserehearsals with Debbie Johnson, Head of Choreography

Jordan Massarella inMatthias Sperling’s ‘OnlyHuman’, commissionedfor the Student Showcaseperformances, March 2010.Matthias is an AssociateArtist with Dance4 andwinner of a Bonnie Bird NewChoreography Award. Hehas also danced with WayneMcGregor|Random Danceand Matthew Bourne’sAdventures In MotionPictures.

03.Foundation Course inContemporary DanceNSCD’s Foundation Course is recognised nationally forproducing well-trained dancers who are ready to undertakefurther vocational training. Its success is reflected in the highnumber of students securing places on conservatoire trainingprogrammes or higher education courses across the UK.Katherine McCabeperforming NiamhCondron’s ‘One by One’which was presented inthe Student Showcaseperformances, March 2009.Niamh graduated fromNSCD in 1999 and is nowworking as a professionalchoreographer, performerand teacher.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 (includingEnglish Language) at grade C or above, orequivalent qualifications.Places are offered to candidatesdemonstrating the greatest potential tobenefit from the course regardless of theirprevious dance experience.QualificationStudents successfully completing all courseunits will be awarded the Access to HigherEducation 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 who are bothhighly 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 as music,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 of thedegree programme. Specific areas of studyinclude:Year 1Critical and Reflective StudiesAn exploration of current contemporarydance practice through investigation ofhistorical and theoretical perspectives andreflection 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 choreography andperformance.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 explore thenature 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, arange of short supplementary coursescomplement studies across theprogramme. 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.year one choreography with Kathinka Waltercollaborative arts project collaborative arts project collaborative arts project

A final year degree studentimprovising in the studioat NSCD during a weeklongresidency with TiltedProductions.

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 include:Verve 07Fin Walker; Glenn Wilkinson; HofeshShechter; Kim Brandstrup; RafaelBonachela; Shobana Jeyasingh.Verve 08Carol Brown; Darshan Singh Bhuller; HenriOguike; Simon Birch; Wendy Houstoun.Verve 09Filip van Huffel; Glenn Wilkinson;Jennifer Lynn-Crawford; Leanne Pike;Milan Kozánek.Verve 10David Zambrano; Kathinka Walter;Laila Diallo; Luis Lara Malvacías;Michael Schumaker; Silja Thomsen.Verve 11Debora Johnson, Charles Linehan,Peter Mika, Thomas Noone, Ben Wright.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.As a response to the Cultural Olympiad, in2012 Verve repertory expands to consistof two touring programmes – a regularmixed bill created by a selection of leadingchoreographers, and an exclusive restagingof Akram Khan’s full-length work “bahok”.A graduate of NSCD, Khan has respondedto his relationship with the college bygenerously contributing this work to theVerve repertory.2012 represents a milestone for Verve. Thetour will be developed to include venuessuitable for staging Khan’s work. Therestaging of “bahok” is part of ‘New Worlds’commissioned by imove, which at the timeof print is applying to become part of theLondon 2012 Cultural Olympiad. To viewthe latest information about Verve, includingthe 2011 tour schedule and the plans forVerve 12, see the Performance section ofwww.nscd.ac.uk/verve“This excellent company danced fourspecially commisioned works that amplyrevealed the talents of the 11 graduates...they (each) allowed the qualities ofindividual dancers to shine through.”Dancing Times, June 2009“Verve…offers interesting content,pleasingly diverse rather than deliberatelyvaried. The dancers revel in their workand watching talent scouts will beimpressed.”Dancing Times, May 2008Best International Production— ITS Guest Award 2008Verve 08, International Theatre SchoolFestival (Amsterdam)Graduate Apprenticeship SchemeThe distinctiveness of this pathwaylies in the opportunity for professionaldevelopment through a work placementof between three and seven months witha professional dance company as aGraduate Apprentice.The apprenticeship opportunity allowsstudents to experience the processesinvolved in creating, rehearsing, producingand touring a professional performanceprogramme, including any relatededucation and community outreach work.The placement experience is supported bya programme of intensive technical trainingand movement development workshopsdelivered 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.Milan Kozánek rehearsing with Verve 09 Filip van Huffel rehearsing with Verve 09Rafael Bonachela rehearsing with Verve 07Henri Oguike rehearsing with Verve 08

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 and studentcomputers);– and the Video and Music Editing Suites.All dance studios have fully sprungfloors and are equipped with pianosand percussion instruments for liveaccompaniment. Most studios also haveballet barrès and integrated video andaudio replay equipment.the video editing suiteThe 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. Anumber of LRC computers have software tosupport students with 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 Wendy HoustounBPA (Hons) Contemporary Dance & Postgraduate Diploma/MA Choreography students rehearsing for the CanovaProject, ItalyTutorial 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 and spokenEnglish.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 Wellsand the National Dance Agencies,providing networking opportunities andbuilding awareness of the infrastructureof the dance industry. These areprogrammed alongside mock auditionswith leading companies such as WayneMcGregor|Random Dance, ShobanaJeyasingh Dance Company and TheCholmondeleys.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, acharitable trust that helps students findrented accommodation. Students requiringaccommodation should contact UNIPOLfor assistance or attend one of our househunting days held over the summer. Thesedays are a useful opportunity to meetpotential housemates whilst viewing/securing rented accommodation.UNIPOL’s website address is:www.unipol.leeds.ac.ukThe Riley Theatre

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 dance andis recognised as the hallmark of NSCD’s ethos.Katherine McCabeperforming Simon Birch’s‘Time Liners’, created forthe Student Showcaseperformances, March 2010.A review in The Stagereported that “the qualityof work and the quality ofstaging at the Northerncontinue to impress.”When asked, by thejournalist, to select a dancerworth keeping an eye on,Sharon Watson (ArtisticDirector, Phoenix DanceTheatre) picked Katherine,who was described in thereview as “outstanding.”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– 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 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 Schechter 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 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 TheFeatherstonehaughs– Union Dance Company– Vincent Dance Theatre– Wayne McGregor|Random Dance– X FactorAdditionally, many ex-students havepursued careers as choreographers orset up their own companies. Notableexamples include Akram Khan, Benji Reid,Debbi Purtill, Emily Burns, Fleur Darkin,Kwesi Johnson, Robert Hylton, RossCooper, Simon Birch, Tamsin Fitzgeraldand Tom Roden.

11.Our GraduatesHere are brief biographies of some of our graduates:Akram KhanLisa WelhamSharon WatsonAnthony MissenKevin TurnerGail ParmelSimon PalmerSarita PiotrowskiTamsin FitzgeraldGary ClarkeIra SiobhanKip JohnsonAkram 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 awarded anMBE for services to dance in 2005.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 the BPA(Hons) degree in Contemporary Dance atNSCD, graduating in 2005. He danced forMotion Manual and Lucy Suggate beforereturning to the school in 2007 to becomeone of the founding members of Verve.Simon went on to join Maresa von Stockert’sTilted Productions, with whom he still works.He regularly collaborates with artists ofother disciplines, most recently working withTheatre Rites in Essen, Germany.Lisa WelhamLisa graduated from NSCD in 2002 witha first class honours degree and wasawarded the University of Leeds ArmesPrize for outstanding achievement. Whilstat the College she toured in the UK andGermany as a member of NSCD’s studentcompany. Since graduating Lisa has beena member of Phoenix Dance Theatre,Henri Oguike Dance Company, Mad DogsDance Theatre and Walker Dance ParkMusic. She is currently dancing with RafaelBonachela Dance Company.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.Sharon WatsonIn 2010, Sharon was named as one ofthe Cultural Leadership Programme’s 50Women to Watch in the UK. Originallyfrom Leeds and trained at LondonContemporary Dance School and NSCD,she has performed and choreographed forcompanies across the UK, before beingengaged as Lecturer in ContemporaryDance at NSCD, Rehearsal and TourDirector for Phoenix Dance Theatreand Director of Learning and Access atNorthern Ballet. In 2006 she embarkedupon a fellowship with the Clore LeadershipProgramme. In 2008 Sharon was one of26 aspiring leaders from around the globeselected to attend Dance East’s fourthRural Retreat, an intensive four day thinktankexploring the challenges of the role ofArtistic Directors in the 21st century. Sharonwas appointed Artistic Director of PhoenixDance Theatre in May 2009.Tamsin FitzgeraldAfter graduating from NSCD in 1998,Tamsin founded 2FaCeD DaNcE Company.Tamsin has collaborated with HofeshShechter for the Birmingham InternationalDance Festival, choreographed for theMTV Awards, published a book on hip-hopand urban dance and choreographed theinternational tour and West End productionof the Caesar Twins. Tamsin has 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. Recent credits include themusical Chasing Fate, and collaborationswith Australian Dance Theatre and theBallet Boyz.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.Gary ClarkeSince graduating in 2001, Gary has workedand collaborated with some of the world’sleading contemporary dance companiesand choreographers, including TheCholmondeleys & The Featherstonehaughs,Adventures in Motion Pictures,balletLORENT, Retina Dance Company,Maresa Von Stockert & Tilted Productions,Phoenix Dance Theatre, Opera North,Frauke Requardt & Daniel Kramer (Sadler’sWells Productions), Javier De Frutos, NigelCharnock and Wendy Houstoun. Garyis also an award winning choreographerwhose cutting edge work has touredboth nationally and internationally. He hascreated work for Ludus Dance Company,Phoenix Dance Theatre, Homotopia,StopGAP Dance Company, NSCD andAscendance REP. Gary is currently anAssociate Artist at Yorkshire Dance.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.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 Certificatein Performing Arts with Distinction. Irajoined DV8 Physical Theatre Companyin 2007, performing ‘To Be Straight withYou’ nationally and internationally, andjoined Richard Alston Dance Company inDecember 2008.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 became an ArtsCouncil England Regularly FundedOrganisation in 2006. Gail is a resilientchampion of youth dance; the awardwinning ACE Youth, founded in 1998,is now one of the UK’s most high profileyouth companies.Kip JohnsonKip began dancing at the age of 16.Originally based in the South West ofEngland he moved to Lancaster and joinedLudus Youth Company. Kip graduatedfrom NSCD in 2009 and was awarded theNSCD performance prize. Since graduatinghe has worked with Lea Anderson of TheCholmondeleys, Funny Bones (Barebonesfor Children), Vincent Dance Theatre andLuca Silvestrini of Protein Dance Company.

Patsy Brown-Hope inMatthias Sperling’s ‘OnlyHuman’, created duringa four week rehearsalperiod leading up to theannual Student Showcaseperformances, March 2010.

Rebecca Williamsperforming Simon Birch’sTime Liners. Simon hasperformed in works byNigel Charnock, Liv Lorent,Gill Clarke, Emilyn Claidand Janet Smith; and haschoreographed work forAkram Khan. He also workspart-time as a RehearsalDirector for BalletLORENT.

Gemma Riley performingSilja Thomsen’s ‘A playof shadows’ for Verve10. Gemma graduatedfrom NSCD in 2009 with aBPA(Hons) in ContemporaryDance and then joined Verve10, completing her PGDipin 2010.

14.Applying and AuditioningNSCD has an international reputation, attracting studentsfrom across the UK and Europe as well as from Asia, Australia,and North and South America. We welcome applicantsfrom a wide variety of backgrounds including those fromunder-represented groups. Places are offered solely on thebasis of individual potential and suitability to undertake ourcontemporary dance training.15.FeesLeeds. The most cost effective place to study in Britain.RBS Student Living Index 2007The closing dates for completedapplications are:Foundation Course6th May 2011BPA (Hons) in Contemporary Dance24th June 2011Postgraduate Diploma inContemporary Dance20th May 2011PGDip/MA in Choreography24th June 2011To make an application go to www.nscd.ac.uk and follow the ‘applyonline’ link. If you have any queriesplease call Admissions on 0113 2193050, or email info@nscd.ac.ukAs a conservatoire-level training institutionNSCD is unique in offering dance trainingcourses from foundation to postgraduatediploma/MA level. Applicants shouldcarefully consider the level of study theywish to undertake as it is important tohave the appropriate prior experience tofully benefit from each of the programmeson offer. This is particularly relevant forapplicants wishing to audition for NSCD’sPostgraduate Diploma programmepathways.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 each courseare noted with the course descriptions,which can be found earlier in theprospectus.Due to the distinct and specialist nature ofour 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 is notpossible to audition for deferred entry dueto 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 £35.00is 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 emailinfo@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.Foundation Course inContemporary DanceThe student contribution to course feesfor 2011/12 has yet to be confirmed butwill not be less that the current year’s fee(£1,060). 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 are requiredto pay the full cost of their tuition. Feesfor 2011/12 have yet to be agreed but willnot be less than the current year’s fees(£5,225).BPA (Hons) in Contemporary DanceThe student contribution to course feesfor 2011/12 has yet to be confirmed butwill not be less that the current year’s fee(£3,290). Some UK resident students areeligible for financial support both fromthe Government and the Conservatoirefor Dance and Drama (CDD) in the formof non-repayable bursaries and grants.CDD also provides some bursaries to EUstudents, visit www.cdd.ac.uk for furtherinformation.International StudentsNon EU international students will berequired to pay the full cost of their tuition.Fees for 2011/12 have yet to be agreedbut will not be less than the current year’sfees (£13,155). Further information aboutfee rates for non EU students is availablefrom NSCD.Living ExpensesMost undergraduate students from theUK studying at publicly funded collegesand universities are eligible for studentloans and other financial support. Werecommend that prospective studentscomplete and return their fee support andstudent loan applications to their LocalEducation Authority as soon as possible(you do not have to wait until you areoffered a place to make the application).When applying you should make it clearthat you would be a student registeredwith both the Conservatoire for Danceand Drama and Northern School ofContemporary Dance.In addition to student loans, living expensesare often supplemented by studentsundertaking part-time work.Extra HelpAll CDD affiliate colleges are determinedthat students should not be put off fromenjoying the benefits of higher educationon account of cost. Accordingly, inaddition to Government support, a rangeof extra financial help is available fordegree students who experience financialhardship. Details about CDD’s bursaryscheme to support students from lowerincome households can be found atwww.cdd.ac.ukPostgraduate Diploma inContemporary Dance andPostgraduate Diploma inChoreographyThe student contribution to postgraduatecourse fees for 2011/12 has yet to beconfirmed but will not be less that thecurrent year’s fee (£4,260). Financial supportfor living expenses is not normally availablefor postgraduate courses. However, NSCDmay be able to provide financial supportfor students on the course through Schoolbursaries and funding provided through thegenerous support of The Leverhulme Trust.International StudentsNon EU international students will berequired to pay the full cost of their tuition.Fees for 2011/12 have yet to be agreed butwill not be less than the current year’s feesfor the Postgraduate Diploma (£13,155).Further information about fee rates for nonEU students is available from NSCD.MA in Choreography (fourth termfollowing Postgraduate Diploma)The additional fee for the extra term neededto complete the MA in Choreography for2011/12 has yet to be confirmed but willnot be less than the current year’s fee(£1,420).International StudentsThe additional fee for the extra term tocomplete the MA in Choreography will benot less than the current year’s fee (£4,385).Further information about fee rates for nonEU students is available from NSCD.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 info@nscd.ac.uk

Anthony Middleton andJoss Carter were bothrecently handpicked by theBalletboyz to join a companyof 8 young male dancersperforming their latestproduction ‘the TALENT’on tour throughout the UK.

Rudi Cole performingHenrietta Hale’s ‘The Forest’.On graduating Rudi joinedCompagnie Thor, who arebased in Belgium and tourthroughout the world.

16.Maps and DirectionsEdinburghNewcastleCardiffLeedsManchesterBirminghamLondonUniversityLeeds/BradfordAirport (approx. 8 miles)HospitalTown HallM606MerrionCentreA61SheepscarInterchangeClay Pit LaneNorth St.Chapeltown Rd.Follow signsfor ChapeltownRegent St.From North/A61/A6120(Via Harrogate Road)NSCDNorthern School ofContemporary DanceBarrack Rd.A58Validation 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.landkbrand.comPhotographyChris Nash, Johnny Carr, GavinJoynt, Brian Slater and Terry Cryer.Printwww.team-impression.comOuter cover:Daniel Connor and RebeccaWilliams both graduatedfrom NSCD in 2010 with aBPA(Hons) in ContemporaryDance. Daniel won thegraduation performanceprize 2010 and joinedVerve 11.Cover shot:Rosannah Carrick graduatedfrom NSCD in 2010 with aBPA(Hons) in ContemporaryDance and joined Verve 11.Bus Sta.Inner Ring Rd.WestYorkshirePlayhouseInner Ring Rd.Tetley’sBreweryTrain StationRoyalArmouriesHunslet Rd.UnderpassM621JCT 3Hunslet DistributorJCT 2JCT 4FromM1CarFrom M1The M1 becomes the M621 just outsideLeeds. Continue on the M621, exiting atJ4. Follow signs to Harrogate. You will passTetley’s Brewery on the left, then the WestYorkshire Playhouse on the right. Continueto follow signs to Harrogate until you pickup signs to Chapeltown. NSCD is justbeyond the Sheepscar interchange, onthe right (approximately 4 miles in totalfrom the 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 fromLeeds City Centre (by Kirkgate Market)to Chapeltown (approximately 10 minutes).The bus stop is located on ChapeltownRoad opposite NSCD.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.

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