NSCD BA (Hons) in Dance (Contemporary)

BA (Hons) in Dance (Contemporary) This is a three-year full-time degree programme focused on the development of versatile and individual dance artists.

Students become performers with highly tuned technical and creative skills, developed through dance experiences in a variety of professional, studio and community contexts.

create | learn | inspire

NSCD’s approach is founded on an openness to explore related theory and practice. Students are encouraged to be curious about the place of contemporary dance within the broader landscape of the professional arts. We provide opportunities for students to work in collaboration with other arts organisations and professionals, and to engage with different audiences in a variety of settings.

What will I study?

The programme comprises two strands, Performance and Creative and Contextual Studies. Through an integrated approach to the delivery of the two strands, students experience studio-based contemporary techniques ranging from Cunningham to other more hybrid, evolved practices, and ballet tailored to the needs of contemporary dancers. Alongside the practice of techniques, theory and practice-based sessions focus on the exploration of performance practice, choreography, improvisation, somatic practice, sitespecific performance and screen dance.

Repertoire classes provide focus on the analysis, conceptual understanding, physical mastery and embodiment of a range of choreography and movement ideas.

Students also develop critical thinking and reflective skills, all of which are required to become articulate and expressively nuanced performers.

Artist as creator and performer We believe it is vital for students to make the connection between technical training, creative exploration and performance.

Accordingly, students across all year groups are openly encouraged to explore the relationship between theory and practice.

Through Creative and Choreographic practice, students have access to HD cameras and the latest video and sound editing software, enabling new ways of presenting work incorporating film, projection and installation.

Devising and staging work in a variety of contexts gives students the opportunity to develop their communication through performance and to realise choreographic ideas. Visiting guest artists and NSCD staff introduce students to different choreographic methods and styles, in an environment that nurtures students’ growth and development as dance artists.

Students have the opportunity to present their work in the Riley Theatre as well as at other venues across the city and beyond.

Artist as a Teacher/Facilitator Throughout the programme there are opportunities to learn the skills of teaching and workshop leading. This work is made possible through collaboration with NSCD’s Learning and Participation provision, including the Centre for Advanced Training scheme and other local school and community partnerships. This area of work empowers students to further articulate, share practice and engage others in contemporary dance, supporting future career development as versatile dance artists with additional skills in preparation for employment.

Key themes for the year might include: — Technique — Performance projects — Solo performance — Dance pedagogy and teaching or Practice as Research — Independent enquiry — Project management — Funding & marketing

NSCD Associate Artist, Gemma Nixon guest teaching students

Enrichment of your studies Enrichment is supplemented by guest teachers who offer workshops and classes in related areas of practice. For example, Flying-Low, Gaga, Yoga, fitness training, contact improvisation, partner work and coaching.

Mock audition preparation, visiting workshops, masterclasses and visits to performances enable students to contextualize their learning and prepare for future careers or postgraduate study in dance.

Entry Requirements Entry is through successful audition and interview. Normally candidates should have gained two A Level passes or a BTEC National diploma or professional/vocational training at an appropriate level and five GCSE passes, including English Language, at grade C or above (Level 4 from 2017).

Equivalent qualifications may also be acceptable depending on the strength of the grades achieved. If applicants do not have the relevant academic qualifications a special entry procedure is available.

Details can be obtained from the Admissions Officer.

"My time at NSCD was an unforgettable experience. It is a fantastic place to try, succeed and develop – all with the love and support from students and staff. The school is about creating smart, professional and independent dancers by celebrating and developing their potential and skills.

Studying at NSCD is very hard work but there is also time to have fun and invest in yourself by finding your own individuality.

As an international student I got all the help and support that I needed – always with a smile and warm words. Now that I am graduating I am much stronger technically but also much more confident as an independent dance artist. I cannot wait to see what the future brings."

Karolina Szymanska, BA (Hons) Contemporary Dance

Course validated by

Northern School of Contemporary Dance 98 Chapeltown Road, Leeds LS7 4BH T 0113 219 3000 E info@nscd.ac.uk /northernschool @NorthernSchool

nscd.ac.uk