NSCD Prospectus 2022/23

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

Welcome

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“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

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Contents Choose NSCD 6 8 10 12 16 20 24

World-class teaching A diverse learning community A taste of the industry A unique building A vibrant city: Leeds Student support Our Alumni

Undergraduate courses 34 36 38

CertHE Contemporary Dance CertHE Cultural Dance Forms BA (Hons) Dance (Contemporary)

Postgraduate courses 42 44 46 48 50 52

MA Contemporary Dance Performance - VERVE MA Contemporary Dance Performance - PPS MA Interdisciplinary Dance Performance MA Dance + Creative Enterprise MA Dance Teaching & Facilitating PG Dip Arts Learning and Teaching in Higher Education

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Next steps

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Partnerships

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Artist development

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Riley Theatre

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Learning & Participation

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Discover Yorkshire

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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.

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Choose NSCD

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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.

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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” 9

A taste of the industry

“Take every opportunity that’s given to you, because your time here training is so precious”

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Choose NSCD

NSCD maintains close links with the constantly evolving professional dance world and all our permanent staff have direct connections to the industry. An extensive list of guest artists and companies visit us each year to teach class, share their practice, lead on creative and performance projects, conduct mock auditions and contribute to both career talks and assessment panels.

Students engage in intensive rehearsal blocks and have opportunities to perform at NSCD’s own professional venue - Riley Theatre, in both formal and informal contexts, as well as in site-specific projects in Leeds and further afield.

Students are actively encouraged to participate in external projects and commissions, and placement module opportunities mean this work can count towards assessment.

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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.

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Choose NSCD

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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.

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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

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A vibrant city Leeds is one of the UK’s most popular and vibrant student cities, home to 5 universities in addition to NSCD and a student population of over 250,000.

Leeds is also home to the UK’s richest dance ecology outside of London, with three dedicated dance buildings, two international touring dance companies, and one of the first national dance agencies in the country.

The city’s impressive range of arts and cultural venues are all within walking distance, and students can benefit from a range of discounted tickets and offers.

View from Leeds Canal

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The iconic domed roof of Leeds' Corn Exchange

Choose NSCD

Leeds First Direct Arena, which seats over 13,000 17

18 Roundhay Park

Choose NSCD

Trinity Leeds shopping centre

“All the eating, shopping and nightlife options you would expect in a thriving European city.”

Leeds is full of exciting and varied bars, restaurants and clubs. Leeds Arena and the O2 Academy contribute to an excellent live music scene.

Shopping in Leeds combines high street favourites and unique boutiques, both in the beautifully restored Victorian Arcades and more recent developments Trinity Leeds and Victoria Gate. Leeds’ Kirkgate Market is the largest indoor market in Europe and highly recommended for fresh produce at student-friendly prices.

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Student support We want our students to get the most out of their time with us. Student Services staff offer a one-stop-shop and are available for advice on a daily basis.

We encourage students to tell us about any disabilities, learning difficulties or conditions (for example, a physical, sensory or mental health condition) at the earliest opportunity so that support can be put in place. Students can make a disclosure at any point during their studies.

Inclusive practice NSCD programmes have been designed to offer inclusive practice and alternative modes of assessment are incorporated into all modules to ensure students can work to their own strengths.

Tutors are available to discuss adaptations and choice of assessment modes.

Learner support All students are assessed for dyslexia and dyspraxia to identify those who need additional support. Our Learner Support Coordinator is available to offer advice and assistance, and supports students wishing to claim the Disabled Students’ Allowance.

Well-being We are committed to promoting mental health and well-being support with the aim of developing happy and healthy dance artists. Our team of Health & Wellbeing staff offers a triage service from which students can access further services including counselling and ongoing regular emotional support.

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Choose NSCD

English language support This is provided to all NSCD students who do not have English as their first language, and offered as one-to-one support sessions.

Bodywork support Along with an in-house Injury Support Clinic, rehabilitation sessions and gym area, the school works in collaboration with osteopathy, physiotherapy, massage and acupuncture providers. All students are provided with guidance on nutrition and fitness and we offer support in finding a local GP and other services.

Financial support In addition to bursaries and scholarships, we offer a number of forms of financial support for students experiencing hardship. A short online form determines how best we can offer support. Examples of support include: – – – –

Monthly grocery vouchers Funds towards basic living expenses IT equipment and/or wifi upgrade costs to support online learning Free School Lunches during term time

For more information on scholarships and bursaries visit out website: nscd.ac.uk

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Our alumni “The energy, gutsiness and creative physicality of NSCD graduates stands out from the crowd” Louise Richards; Founder & Executive Director, Motionhouse

NSCD alumni can be seen leading or performing with numerous dance companies across the UK and Europe.

Many are presenting independent work at theatres and arts venues, and/or contributing as inspirational teachers or arts leaders in the dance sector. We are proud that in the North of England, 50% of dance companies selected for Arts Council England funding as National Portfolio Organisations are led by NSCD graduates. ​

Akram Khan is one of the most celebrated and respected dance artists working today. In just over 19 years he has created a body of work that has contributed significantly to the arts in the UK and abroad. Akram has collaborated with the National Ballet of China, actress Juliette Binoche, ballerina Sylvie Guillem, choreographers/dancers Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui and Israel Galván, singer Kylie Minogue, the band Florence and the Machine, visual artists Anish Kapoor and Antony Gormley, writer Hanif Kureishi and composers Steve Reich and Nitin Sawhney to name a few.

Khan has been the recipient of numerous awards throughout his career including the Laurence Olivier Award, the Bessie Award (New York Dance and Performance Award), the prestigious ISPA (International Society for the Performing Arts) Distinguished Artist Award, the Fred and Adele Astaire Award, the Herald Archangel Award at the Edinburgh International Festival, the South Bank Sky Arts Award and eight Critics’ Circle National Dance Awards. Khan was awarded an MBE for services to dance in 2005 and is an Associate Artist of Sadler’s Wells.

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Our Alumni

Akram Khan Artistic Director, Akram Khan Company Graduated 1998

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Tamsin Fitzgerald Artistic Director, 2Faced Dance Company Graduated 1998

“NSCD has exceptional facilities, an experienced staff team and a homely feel that makes you want to stay.”

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Our Alumni

Nora Monsecour Company Dancer, tanzmainz Graduated 2018

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Kristina & Sadé Alleyne Artistic Directors, Alleyne Dance Graduated 2008

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Our Alumni

Gary Clarke Independent Choreographer Graduated 2001

Gary Clarke is currently regarded as one of the UK’s leading independent dance artists whose work has toured extensively to critical and audience acclaim.

He has created large-scale commissions for Opera North, Sky Arts, The Cultural Olympiad and Hull City of Culture as well as touring work for Akademi, StopGAP Dance Company, Anjali Dance and Ludus Dance amongst others. Gary received a UK Theatre Award and a Critics Circle National Dance Award for COAL, and won a Herald Angel Award and the Summerhall Lustrum Award for The Troth.

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Toke Strandby Independent Dance Artist Formerly Candoco Dance Company, 2014-2021 Graduated 2014 30

Our Alumni

“My years at NSCD were a great experience. I was taught by inspiring and knowledgeable teachers, challenged and nurtured, and met amazing people.”

Carlos Pons Guerra Independent Choreographer Graduated 2008

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Courses Our courses prepare students for a demanding and competitive profession.

The training is rigorous and challenging, requiring a high level of commitment and determination. Students on all courses are encouraged to become pro-active, independent and collaborative artists.

“At NSCD, students are encouraged to make use of each opportunity available to them in order to reach their full artistic and academic potential.

We actively support student engagement in the learning and teaching process and celebrate each learner’s personal contribution; their specific knowledge, skills and identity.

Through group work, independent work, physical practice, placements, project-based activities and other creative work, students are able to articulate skills and knowledge across every strand of the curriculum.

Studying at NSCD helps you to develop lifelong learning skills and professional behaviours which support your transition into the world of work, and a sustainable career. We encourage our students to act as ‘partners in the learning process’, to assess their own progress and offer support and feedback to their peers - powerful tools for continuous academic, artistic and professional development.

We welcome and value suggestions put forward by the student body and celebrate the positivity, engagement and vision that each student brings. Through student/staff liaison committees their ideas build gravitas, enabling us to work in partnership to make things happen.

Our student body is a diverse and eclectic group of individuals from all over the world.

With their curiosity, play and openness to each other, and the art form, we are confident they will go on to shape the future dance ecology, as performers, creators, producers, teachers and future dance leaders.”

Darren Carr Vice Principal & Director of Studies

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CertHE

Cultural Dance Forms Duration: 1 year (full-time)

Validated by: University of Kent

Entry requirements: Level 3 qualification or A-levels, + audition.

We also accept applications from very talented 16-17 year olds.

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What you’ll study: – Learn diverse dance styles including: Hip Hop, House, Dancehall, Afro-fusion & Vogue – Develop your own movement language & style – Perform to audiences, onstage and in the community – Prepare for further training at degree level and a future career in dance

CertHE Cultural Dance Forms

Students on this course study diverse dance styles in order to develop their own unique movement language.

Each dance style is explored through cultural and social contexts, adding depth and meaning to students' understanding. Students engage in creative practice, cultural dance styles, Western Theatre dance techniques and performance projects.

This course offers a solid foundation for further training and a future career in dance.

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CertHE

Contemporary Dance Duration: 1 year (full-time)

Validated by: University of Kent

Entry requirements: Level 3 qualification or A-levels, + audition.

We also accept applications from very talented 16-17 year olds.

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What you’ll study: – Learn contemporary dance techniques, choreography, creative practice, dance repertoire and contextual studies – Perform your own work and work by professional artists to audiences – Lay the foundation for further study at degree level and a future career in dance

CertHE Contemporary Dance

This course is designed specifically to prepare dance artists for further in-depth professional training and offers an insight into our three year full-time degree programme. It has an excellent track record of helping students to access Conservatoires and Higher Education.

Performance opportunities take place during the second and third terms, with a final showcase of students' own work at Riley Theatre.

98% of students who completed this equivalent programme in 2021 progressed to further dance training either at NSCD, another Conservatoire or other University.

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BA (Hons)

Dance (Contemporary)

Duration: 3 years (full-time)

Validated by: University of Kent

Entry requirements: Level 3 qualification or A-levels, + audition

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What you’ll study: – Learn techniques such as Cunningham and Release alongside more hybrid dance forms – Develop your critical and reflective skills and explore the relationship between theory and practice – Devise and stage your own work and perform work created with a range of guest artists – Develop relationships for a future career in dance

BA Dance (Contemporary)

Technical training Technique classes are designed to train the body, whilst developing artistic intelligence, enabling students to respond to the varied and changing demands of contemporary choreography. In the studio, students experience techniques ranging from Cunningham and Release to other more hybrid forms, and Ballet tailored to the needs of contemporary dancers.

Invited guests and visiting artists offer workshops and classes in areas of related practice including contact improvisation, Flying-Low, Gaga, Yoga, Pilates, fitness training and Afro-fusion, to name a few.

Theory & practice Alongside technique, students undertake theory and practice-based sessions in performance, choreography, research, improvisation, somatics, sitespecific work and screen dance, placing dance in social, cultural and historical contexts. Throughout the course, students develop critical thinking and reflective skills and are encouraged to explore the relationship between theory and practice.

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Performance opportunities We provide opportunities for students to work in collaboration with other arts organisations and professional settings, and to engage with various audiences at different stages of their professional training. Students have opportunities to realise choreographic ideas of their own, devising and staging work in a variety of contexts including our onsite Riley Theatre, and at venues across the city and beyond. Staff and guest artists introduce different choreographic methods and styles, nurturing students’ growth as dance artists.

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BA Dance (Contemporary) Choose NSCD

Artist as teacher/producer Specialisation modules in the second year enable students to learn skills in dance pedagogy or producing, assisting students’ future career development as versatile artists with additional skills and portfolio careers. Local school partnerships equip students with skills in dance teaching while the opportunity to stage an arts festival introduces skills in arts project management and programming.

Career support Guidance is embedded into the programme, which includes professional audition preparation, masterclasses, performance projects and talks from guest artists, enabling students to contextualise their learning and begin to build a network of professional contacts.

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MA

Contemporary Dance Performance

VERVE

Duration: 1 year (full-time)

Validated by: University of Kent

Entry requirements: Level 6 qualification/equivalent training and/or professional experience

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At a glance: VERVE offers graduate dancers a safe and inspiring space to grow as an artist, rigorously challenge their physical skill and build an understanding of the professional working environment, as members of a touring contemporary dance company.

MA Contemporary Dance Performance - VERVE

Each year the company commissions choreographers from all over the world to create an artistically distinct and engaging programme of dance work.

Choreographers who have previously worked with VERVE include: – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Lea Anderson Lali Ayguadé Mari Carrasco Joan Clevillé Maxine Doyle Ben Duke Akram Khan Anton Lachky Hannes Langolf Sita Ostheimer Douglas Thorpe Lenka Vagnerová Ben Wright Noa Zuk

In the second term VERVE tours across the UK, performing at professional venues, such as Dance House, Wales and The Place, London. During the third term of study students undertake a substantial independent or collaborative research project at advanced level, supervised by a tutor or mentor.

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MA

Contemporary Dance Performance

Professional Placement Scheme (PPS) Duration: 1 year (full-time)

Validated by: University of Kent

Entry requirements: Level 6 qualification/equivalent training and/or professional experience

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At a glance: This one-year, full-time programme provides an opportunity for students to undertake extensive professional development and refine their performance skills, as a member of an established professional dance company.

MA Contemporary Dance Performance - PPS

Previous companies in which students have been placed include: – – – – – – – – – – – –

2Faced Dance Company ACE dance and music Candoco Dance Company Company Chameleon Holstebro Dance Company (Denmark) Jasmin Vardimon Company Motionhouse National Dance Company Wales Phoenix Dance Theatre Protein Dance Scottish Dance Theatre tanzmainz (Germany)

Students work alongside professional dancers at their host company and experience the creation, rehearsal and touring of work, plus any education and community activity. Whilst on placement, students are supported by a tutor at NSCD. A significant number of students on this course secure employment with their host companies following their placement.

During the third term of study students undertake a substantial independent or collaborative research project at advanced level, supervised by a tutor or mentor.

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MA

Interdisciplinary Dance Performance

Duration: 1 year (full-time)

Validated by: University of Kent

Entry requirements: Level 6 qualification/equivalent training and/or professional experience

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What you’ll study – – – – –

Modes of Performance Devising and Collaboration in Performance Technical and Embodied Practices Marketing, PR & Digital Representation Research Project

MA Interdisciplinary Dance Performance

This interdisciplinary programme offers the opportunity to rethink your practice as a performer and develop new skills. It focuses on facilitating a wider preparation for dancers from all disciplines looking to perform in works requiring an interdisciplinary approach, combining dance, theatre, performance art and film.

Through a range of laboratories and performance opportunities, you’ll collaborate with professional interdisciplinary artists to stage work across a breadth of sites, including non-conventional spaces and proscenium-arch theatre.

This course offers a distinctive focus for graduates looking to further their knowledge as a small collective or as independent dance artists. Additional emphasis on professional practice increases employability and career prospects within the industry.

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MA

Dance + Creative Enterprise

Duration: 1 year (full-time)

Validated by: University of Kent

Entry requirements: Level 6 qualification/equivalent training and/or professional experience

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What you’ll study – Creative Practice – Arts Project Management & Fundraising for Creative Industries – Technical and Embodied Practices – Marketing, PR & Digital Representation – Research Project

MA Dance + Creative Enterprise

This course enables you to realise your choreographic ideas and develop the business skills necessary to establish your creative voice in the field. It focuses on your artistic identity as a maker, encouraging you to work through individual and collaborative processes and engage with entrepreneurial tools. The course includes opportunities to showcase your work, and to combine skills learnt as both creator and project manager.

The course is led by lecturers who are actively making work, and have a successful track record of securing funding. They are ideally placed to guide you in developing your career, empowering you to best promote yourself and your practice.

MA Showcase The MA showcase is an opportunity for you to share work created over the course of the year in a live format, for a public and invited audience. Through mentorship and guidance, you’ll present a portfolio of work across the school, including Riley Theatre, the Lighting Studio, Courtyard and studios.

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MA

Dance Teaching & Facilitating Duration: 1 year (full-time) 2 years (part-time)

Validated by: University of Kent

Entry requirements: Level 6 qualification/equivalent training and/or professional experience

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At a glance: Working as artist in residence on placement, students observe, assist and lead on dance activity, looking at different teaching and learning styles, different learner profiles and how to most effectively educate in an inclusive learning environment.

MA Dance Teaching & Facilitating

Students can choose to take placements from the following education or community contexts, tailored to their interests and experience: – – – – – – – –

Secondary schools & academies Further Education colleges Higher Education settings Community groups Private dance schools Museum and gallery learning teams Regional dance agencies Dance company outreach departments

Students learn how to plan, deliver and assess dance activity effectively, supported by a specialist mentor.

Students on this course build an awareness of learner needs, and place support needs in the wider context of national strategies for access and inclusion.

In the final term, students undertake an independent or collaborative action research project on a specific aspect of learning or teaching that interests them.

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PG Dip

Arts Learning & Teaching in Higher Education Duration: 2 years (part-time)

Validated by: University of Kent

Entry requirements: Level 6 qualification/equivalent training and/or professional experience

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What you’ll study – Contextualising Teaching & Learning in Higher Education – Curriculum & Assessment Design – Teaching Placement – Education Research

PG Dip Arts Learning & Teaching in Higher Education

This professional development course leads to the award of a recognised teacher training qualification and is open to those currently teaching and/or in learner support roles within Higher Education.

We welcome applicants from a wide range of artistic disciplines; Dance, Theatre, Drama, Music, Visual Arts and Circus.

Students gain confidence in their own teaching, and the tools to improve education within and beyond their own practice.

“I feel better equipped to fulfil my teaching role without feeling too tentative regarding procedures, paperwork, module and assessment design.”

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Next steps

Next steps Our admissions team are regularly praised by students for their efficient and personal service.

Applications to study at NSCD are made via an online application form at nscd.ac.uk How to apply All applications must be made by the closing dates listed on our website. Full details of how to apply can be found via each course page.

We encourage early submission of your application in order to guarantee your preferred audition date, as places are limited (if auditioning is part of the admissions process for your chosen course). For further information, please see the How To Apply pages on our website: nscd.ac.uk/apply Our helpful and friendly admissions team are onhand to help you with any questions you may have: admissions@nscd.ac.uk or 0113 219 3000 Auditions and interviews We audition all applicants for most courses and offer both in-person and video options. At audition, we assess your physical potential, performance ability and creativity, as well as critical thinking and reflective engagement. Our audition process is designed to be as fair and transparent as possible, and gives you an opportunity to gain more of an insight into us as institution. We recommend you read the full guidance on our website for your chosen course.

Entry requirements We believe that diversity is critical to our future development and actively seek to develop and maintain a diverse learning community. We therefore welcome and encourage applications to our courses from people of all backgrounds and abilities.

We award places to those who demonstrate the greatest potential to benefit from our courses, regardless of previous dance experience.

Academic qualifications Full details of the academic entry requirements for each course are listed on our website. We consider all relevant experience that may compensate for a lack of traditional education. We also accept a range of qualifications, including international qualifications.

Get in touch if you have any questions: Fees and Finance Please refer to our website for the most up-to-date information on fees for all our courses, as well as information on financial support.

Home fee-paying students are eligible for a Tuition Fee loan from the Student Loans Company. This is paid directly to NSCD each year.

Bursaries and scholarships We have a number of means-tested scholarships and bursaries available. For further information, please see our website: nscd.ac.uk/bursaries-scholarships Accommodation Student accommodation in Leeds is plentiful. Most of our students choose to live in shared, rented houses within walking distance of the School.

Students also choose to live in purpose-built student accommodation in the city centre. The diverse range of accommodation on offer suits most budgets, tastes and the type of student experience you are looking for.

Each year we organise a House Hunting Day to look at the variety of housing options available. We subscribe to UNIPOL, an organisation which helps students to secure trusted rented accommodation from reputable landlords.

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Partnerships We partner with professional companies and arts organisations to offer students a range of opportunities for growth and development, both during their time with us and after graduating.

Leeds Dance Partnership NSCD is a core partner of Leeds Dance Partnership, working alongside Northern Ballet, Yorkshire Dance, Leeds Playhouse, Phoenix Dance Theatre and Leeds Beckett University to support and celebrate dance in the North. This includes support for a thriving independent sector and opportunities for artist and producer development, commissioning, producing and touring.

NSCD often works with arts and cultural organisations in Leeds, hosting student performances at venues such as Temple Newsam, Harewood House, Leeds Art Gallery and CLAY (Centre for Live Art Yorkshire), to name a few.

Beyond Leeds NSCD is connected to dance companies, agencies and sector support organisations across the UK and internationally. Additionally, NSCD has established partnerships with leading national companies offering students across taught programmes opportunities for professional development, audition preparation and further work, including Akram Khan Company, Hofesh Shechter Company and Gary Clarke Company.

Companies from across the UK and further afield who tour to Leeds will often pay NSCD a visit to teach, deliver workshops and share their practice with students.

Recently, NSCD established formal partnerships with organisations Dance City (Newcastle) and Serendipity (Leicester), offering mentoring and producing support as part of its development offer for emerging artists.

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Partnerships

“NSCD graduates are dynamic, strong and driven” Hofesh Shechter; Artistic Director, Hofesh Shechter Company

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Artist development Regular funding from Arts Council England enables us to offer professional development support for emerging artists based or living in the North of England. This is currently offered through two main strands of activity – Northern Connections (for up to three emerging artists and their dancers/collaborators) and CATAPULT (for one artist whose work is ready for further development). We offer studio space, mentoring and business support, as well as platforming and networking opportunities, enabling artists to develop, test and promote their work to new audiences.

Artists who have previously benefited from this support include: – – – – – – – – – – –

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70/30 Split Akeim Toussaint Buck (NSCD alumni) Akshay Sharma (NSCD alumni) Anthony Middleton (NSCD alumni) Carlos Pons Guerra (NSCD alumni) Crystal Zillwood (NSCD alumni) Daniel Phung (NSCD alumni) Gracefool Collective (NSCD alumni) Jamaal Burkmar (NSCD alumni) Lizzie J Klotz Madeleine Shann

Artist development

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Riley Theatre As a National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) of Arts Council England, we receive regular funding to platform work by national and international companies and artists at our on-site venue, Yorkshire’s largest dedicated dance house.

We sell more than 10,000 tickets each year for performances at Riley Theatre, which seats up to 250 audience members. Companies and artists we have previously welcomed include: – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

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ACE Dance & Music Anatomical Akram Khan Company Candoco Dance Company Far From The Norm Guy Nader & Maria Campos (Spain) Holly Blakey James Cousins Company James Wilton Dance Lenka Vagnerová & Company (Czech Republic) Lost Dog Luca Silvestrini’s Protein Massala Dance Company (France) New Art Club Núria Guiu (Spain) Scottish Dance Theatre Stopgap Dance Company Tom Dale Company Uchenna Dance Vocab Dance

Riley Theatre

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Learning & Participation Learning & Participation at NSCD offers community dance provision for people of all ages and abilities. Opportunities are available for children as young as five to enjoy, engage in and learn through dance, right through to adults, including weekly classes and activity for local schools and community groups in the Yorkshire region. Also on offer are bespoke workshops, masterclasses, professional development for dance artists and an annual Summer School.

Students on all programmes of study at NSCD have opportunities to work as dance delivery artists on the team, gaining experience of community dance activity and the skills needed to engage and support people of all abilities, from all walks of life, in dance.

Find out more: nscd.ac.uk/take-part

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Learning & Participation

Centre for Advanced Training NSCD’s Centre for Advance Training (CAT) scheme is part of a national intensive dance programme for 13-18 year olds who display exceptional potential and passion for dance.

Young artists join the scheme at a critical stage in their development to prepare them for successful and rewarding careers in the arts. NSCD has over 60 CAT students each year, a number of whom continue onto full-time study programmes.

Find out more: nscd.ac.uk/cat

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Discover Yorkshire Step outside of Leeds and discover neighbouring Wakefield, home to the renowned Yorkshire Sculpture Park and The Hepworth Gallery.

The nearby city of Bradford is home to the National Media Museum, and historic York, recently voted Britain’s most beautiful city, is just 25 minutes away by train.

A short journey will take you to the peace and quiet of the Yorkshire Dales, the North Yorkshire Moors and the east coast’s stunning landscapes, all of which have inspired generations of artists over the centuries.

Bolton Abbey, Skipton

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The Hepworth Wakefield

Discover Yorkshire

Staithes, Scarborough

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Photography credits: Nicole Guarino © Cover, 34, 35, 42, 43 Camilla Greenwell © 2, 10, 12, 36, 39, 41, 47, 54, 57, 63 Benji Reid © 3 Bevan Cockerill © 4, 13, 14 Justin Slee © 6, 9, 15, 21, 32, 39, 50, 53 David Lindsay © 7, 8, 11, 14, 21, 35, 37, 41, 46, 49, 51, 58, 59, 63 Giles Rocholl © 17, 18 Max Barnett © 25 Luke Evans © 26 Andreas Etter © 27 Irvin Lewis © 28

Josh Hawkins © 29, 31 Chantal Guevara © 30 Jane Hobson © 32 Elly Welford © 36, 48 De-Da Productions © 44 Ditte Chemnitz © 45 Brian Hartley © 45, 61 Gavin Joynt © 53 Drazen Priganica © 58 Alice Brazzit © 60 Foteini Christofilopoulou © 61 Ben Harris © 62

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Contact us info@nscd.ac.uk | 0113 219 3000 | nscd.ac.uk Northern School of Contemporary Dance 98 Chapeltown Road, Leeds LS7 4BH