NSCD Prospectus teaser

It starts here.

Prospectus 22/23

Cover image: Alethia Antonia (Foundation 2014, VERVE 2018) “My initial year at NSCD really helped me to understand my own body, building strong foundations to achieve my physical and creative potential.

VERVE helped me to understand what I wanted to focus on as a freelance performer and choreographer. In both instances, I learned how to embody movement ideas, and developed a work ethic I carry forward into my career today.

My MA research project at NSCD was particularly fundamental to me and has fed into every aspect of my choreography, teaching practice, and academic research since. It allowed me to fully explore my own identity and to approach ideas from a practical and theoretical perspective. It has formed the basis of my work and the direction I want my work to grow in.”

Shape the future of dance

2

Welcome

“Dance celebrates and is enriched by embracing diverse perspectives, cultures and values.

For over three decades we have been a driving force in the world of contemporary dance, growing from humble beginnings to achieving international status. Positioning Leeds as a destination for creativity and innovation, we continue to offer a highly valuable vocational education, introducing students to a whole host of individuals from the arts world and a huge range of opportunities available to them across the creative industries.

Over the years, NSCD has become home to dancers, choreographers, teachers, arts managers, producers and a range of artmakers, nurturing from the earliest stage to mature, world-class artist, holding true throughout to the widening access mission of our founding Principal Nadine Senior MBE. As the cultural and creative landscape continues to evolve so do our students, driving the artform forward, exploring both physical and virtual interactive art experiences. Increasingly the future will require those working in dance to take risks and to thrive in new territory. No one can really know for sure what the world of work will look like over the coming years, however we are dedicated to training our students to be future-ready if not future-proof. We remain committed to supporting students to achieve their individual goals and enrich their lives, artistically and professionally.

We are vigilant of ourselves and remain abreast of the sector’s needs, knowing real change is happening. If recent times have taught us anything, it is to seize and embrace the opportunities presented to us and to be the driver of change, prioritising our values of diversity, equality and inclusion.

We believe in the power of dance to connect communities, breach boundaries and promote empathy, and I know the work we do will go on to transform lives. Here at NSCD our commitment is to work diligently with and for our students, preparing them for diverse careers and in sodoing, securing a sustainable future for dance.”

Sharon Watson MBE, DL CEO and Principal

World-class teaching “We all want to succeed. The people around you all day every day, your teachers and peers, they only want the best from you”

Here at NSCD we encourage a curious, pioneering attitude. We aim to develop the dance artists, facilitators and professionals of the future who will go on to shape the art form.

Staff research focuses on performance, creative practice, teaching and learning, technologyenhanced practice and health & well-being. Students often work with staff on projects as co-authors in the research process.

We are very proud of the extensive expertise of our dedicated permanent teaching staff, many of whom have worked internationally as performers, creators and teachers. All staff bring their specialist skills and vast experience to help each student reach their full potential and prepare for the profession.

In the 2021 National Student Survey, 95% of graduating BA (Hons) students said our staff were good at explaining things. 98% said the course provided opportunities to apply what they had learnt.

Choose NSCD

A diverse learning community With approximately 250 students across all courses, NSCD is small enough for everyone to know each other and for students to make friends and collaborate across year groups.

Choose NSCD

“Everyone is just so friendly and encouraging and supportive, we’re all just like one big family”

The diversity in our student body enriches the life of the school, feeding creativity. We are delighted to have students from over 29 different countries, of different ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds learning together.

We work hard to identify barriers which prevent students from accessing or completing training, and make adjustments based on individual needs. 35% of students at NSCD are able to disclose and seek support for a disability or specific learning difficulty during their studies.

“I love that I’ve been able to dance with people from all over the world”

A unique building NSCD is a building alive with a passion for dance.

Riley Theatre Yorkshire’s largest dedicated dance house sits at the heart of our building. Housed in a Grade II listed former synagogue, the space is used for both teaching and performances. Students and professional companies alike perform on our atmospheric stage and students benefit from seeing a breadth of artistic work from national and international names at discounted prices.

Choose NSCD

Library and Archive A rich resource of printed and online materials for the study of dance, and its related disciplines. Our collection includes 15,000+ print items and a variety of online subscriptions to support students’ academic needs and interests. The NSCD Media Archive also offers students and staff access to performance footage online.

Sound and video editing suite Complete with video and sound recording equipment, iMac desktops and industry standard software for creating and editing digital work.

Lighting studio A black box space used to teach and study theatre lighting and design, this space is also used for informal sharings of small scale work, video projections, installations and multimedia work.

Bodywork studio Fully resourced with machines for aerobic and cardiovascular work, plus specialist Pilates equipment.

Choose NSCD

7 large dance studios Each with a fully sprung floor, barres and sound system, plus pianos and drums for live accompaniment in technique classes. All our studios are bookable in the evenings and at weekends for individual or group work.

“A nurturing and positive environment that is a pleasure to work in” James Wilton; Artistic Director, James Wilton Dance

For the full prospectus, please fill in the form below