VERVE20 programme

The postgraduate company of Northern School of Contemporary Dance

Welcome This year, VERVE welcomes a new company of dancers drawn from Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham, Cambridge, Colchester, London, Tunbridge Wells, Trondheim, Coimbra, Kuala Lumpur and Seoul. With them they bring their life experience, and their points of view. At our home, Northern School of Contemporary Dance, they have collaborated with exceptional guest artists to create a physically daring programme of work that points to the world we all live in, but experience in such different ways.

The works created this year speak of the journeys that brought each choreographer to Leeds. They reveal the rich, diverse lives and perspectives that have shaped their practice. Each work is distinct in its physical voice, and the story it tells.

I am proud to lead a diverse company that embraces difference, and that seeks to reveal, celebrate and support the uniqueness in us all. Each day I am lucky to work with a team full of ambition, generosity, humility and purpose.

The artists on stage this evening, and the artists they have worked with, are informed by the past, shaped by the present, and insistent they will shape the future of dance.

Thank you for coming.

Matthew Robinson VERVE Artistic Director

About VERVE VERVE is the postgraduate touring dance company of Northern School of Contemporary Dance (NSCD).

Now in its 14th year, VERVE offers emerging dance artists the opportunity to challenge and cultivate their skills across a varied repertoire of new work, created with both established and emerging guest choreographers.

Dancers are enrolled on NSCD’s MA in Contemporary Dance Performance. Guided by Artistic Director Matthew Robinson, they explore their identity as performers over the course of one intensive year and go on to enjoy rewarding careers, as performers with a range of artists, facilitators in various settings and choreographers in their own right.

VERVE auditions attract students from some of the world’s most prestigious dance schools and conservatoires. From over 200 auditionees, just 14 dancers are selected each year. nscd.ac.uk/verve

Repertoire Send in the Clowns

Shelter

- Douglas Thorpe

- Lali Ayguadé

When the worlds of dreams and reality meet, desires become living stories and experiences gain imaginative dimensions. This work invites you to perceive and engage in the world through the eyes of an eccentric, deserted, powerful yet vulnerable character who fails to identify themselves with the rest of us. They feel lonely in their strangeness, secretly yearning for connection and intimacy. Their true shyness is hidden under their colourful exterior and feverish frustration.

In a small town, where secrets were kept, where nobody wanted to be recognized. They blindly believed in something.

Douglas Thorpe returns to VERVE with Send In The Clowns.

Welcome to the conflicted mind of an individual navigating a confusing world.

Music: Silver Mt. Zion and Armand Amar Assistant: Akira Yoshida Lighting design: Mark Baker Costumes: Andi Walker Duration: 18 minutes Cast: Full company

Music: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Cliff Martinez, Ori Lichtik and The Subways Assistant: Tiia Ourila Lighting design: Mark Baker and Matthew Robinson Costumes: Andi Walker Duration: 15 minutes Cast: Full company

Shelter transports us to a small town full of secrets, its inhabitants occupied by blind belief. With a reputation for creating physically complex and articulate work, Lali Ayguadé continuously deconstructs the images she proposes.

FAST LOVE AND A CRASH

White Lies

- Mari Carrasco

- Botis Seva

FAST LOVE AND A CRASH is divided into two parts, one imploding and one exploding. It is a trajectory through time and space where the movement is suspended and the heart is burning on the inside as well as the outside. Each part can be a symbol of either the crash or the rush of falling in love.

“It’s one thing to question your mind; it’s another to question your eyes and ears. But, then again, isn’t it all the same? Our senses just mediocre inputs to our brain? Sure, we rely on them, trust they accurately portray the real world around us, but what if the haunting truth is they can’t? That what we perceive isn’t the real world at all, but just our mind’s best guess? That all we really have is a garbled reality, a truly fuzzy picture we will never make out?”

– Elliot Alderson, Mr. Robot

Sought-after Scandinavian contemporary choreographer Mari Carrasco is known for veering between the wild and the thoughtful.

Music: Peter Rehberg and Lorenzo Senni Assistants: Filippa Fahlin and Matthew Robinson Lighting design: Matthew Robinson Costumes: Andi Walker Duration: 18 minutes Cast: Various, see insert

Acclaimed dance theatre maker Botis Seva draws from his hip hop background to craft a physical language that is distinctly his own.

Set to a pulsating original score by Torben Lars Sylvest.

Music: Torben Lars Sylvest Assistant: Jordan Douglas Lighting design: Mark Baker and Botis Seva Costumes: Andi Walker Duration: 18 minutes Cast: Audrey Chua, Lou Ditaranto, Sara Gil Agostinho, Chelsea Gordon, Phoebe Higgins, Charlie Hogan, Joey Hogger, Sebastien Kapps, Lucy Martin, Madeleine Millar, Mollie Rose Sutcliffe and Ben Todd Jones

Choreographers Lali Ayguadé Catalan performer and creator Lali Ayguadé trained at PARTS in Belgium.

She has collaborated and performed with various acclaimed choreographers including Akram Khan, Hofesh Shechter, Roberto Olivan, Marcos Morau and Anton Lachky. During her time as a dancer with Akram Khan Company, she created and performed in productions Kaash, Ma, Bahok, Vertical Road and Confluence. Her performances in Vertical Road and Bahok saw her nominated for ‘Outstanding Female Performance’ at the Critics’ Circle National Dance Awards in 2010.

In 2013 she established Lali Ayguadé Company, and has since created four short duets and two full evening works, Kokoro and iU an Mi, which stand between reality and imagination, merging theatricality and dance. Previous commissions include Tanz Bielefeld in Germany and Bodhi Project in Salzburg.

Ayguadé’s short work Incognito features in the multi-award-winning and Oscar-nominated short film Timecode, directed by Juanjo Giménez.

Botis Seva Botis Seva is the founder of Far From The Norm, a company renowned for challenging both hip hop and dance theatre conventions. His work tackles socio-political concerns and in 2019, BLKDOG won him the Olivier Award for Best New Dance Production.

Seva has created work for organisations including Scottish Dance Theatre, Channel 4 and Latitude Festival. Recipient of the Bonnie Bird Choreography Fund in 2015, he has taken home first prizes at the Copenhagen International Choreography Competition, and Choreography 30 in Hanover.

He was also selected as an Aerowaves17 artist, touring short work REK to Aerowaves Festival in Denmark and Urban Moves in Oslo.

In 2018, Seva choreographed for Wayne McGregor and Robin Friend’s Winged Bull in the Elephant Case which premiered on BBC 2. 2019 saw him as guest Artistic Director of National Youth Dance Company, as well as taking his first steps into movement direction, working with director Rupert Goold on The Hunt, a play by David Farr.

Mari Carrasco Stockholm-based dancer and choreographer Mari Carrasco is a fresh voice in Scandinavian dance. From Sweden/Chile, she studied at DOCH School of Dance and Circus in Sweden, and on the International Visa Program at Dance New Amsterdam in New York.

Carrasco started to create work while studying and has been producing independent work since 2009, quickly establishing herself as a name to watch.

Her international success began with her first work Bartolomeo, performed over 100 times in Sweden, in collaboration with Riksteatern. The piece won the prestigious international Prix D’Assitej in 2013 and in 2014 Carrasco produced a world tour of the work, performing at festivals in New York, Tokyo, Okinawa, Amman, Ramallah, Capri, Madrid, Vilnius, Roskilde, Chur, Belfast and Helsinki.

Carrasco has been commissioned by companies and schools across Europe including Norrdans, Dansstationen, Unga Klara and Black Box Dance Company.

Douglas Thorpe Douglas Thorpe danced with Phoenix Dance Theatre for over 20 years before choreographing his own work.

He has since created for ACE Dance & Music, Tanztheater: Staatstheater Braunschweig, and the 2012 Cultural Olympiad. Thorpe returned to Phoenix Dance Theatre as a choreographer in 2009 to create Beast and in 2013 to create Tender Crazy Love. He has collaborated and performed with artists including Arthur Pita, Javier De Frutos and Henri Oguike, and in 2015 was commissioned to create a work for VERVE titled Dramatis Personae, since reworked for Möbius Dance.

Thorpe’s company Mad Dogs Dance Theatre is known for explosive, powerful and highly physical work. He has been tipped as one of the most important new voices in UK dance, combining intense and visceral movement with text, music and film.

The Company Audrey Chua Audrey started dancing at the age of 6 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, taking classes in ballet, modern and tap dance before training intensively in classical ballet. She graduated from Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance in 2019 with a first-class degree, performing works by Rafael Bonachela, Jason Mabana and Martin Lawrence during her time there.

Lou Ditaranto

Matthew Robinson, Artistic Director VERVE is led by Artistic Director Matthew Robinson. Matthew is a practising artist having worked as a dancer, choreographer, teacher, mentor and rehearsal director.

For many years Matthew danced for Scottish Dance Theatre (SDT), working with an exciting international company of dancers, performing work by a diverse range of international choreographers, including Sharon Eyal, Damien Jalet, Hofesh Shechter, and Victor Quijada.

In 2013 he was invited to take on the responsibilities of Rehearsal Director at SDT and assisted numerous choreographers in the creation of new works, also supporting the company on national and international tours.

As a choreographer Matthew researches and creates his own work in independent, collaborative and commissioned contexts, presenting his work internationally, leading classes and workshops.

Matthew’s NEVERSINK, created for VERVE, toured across the UK and Europe in 2018.

Matthew is a graduate of London Contemporary Dance School.

Lou is originally from France but moved to Norway at a young age, where she first experienced dance. She graduated from Trondheim Katedralskole in 2016, performing Jo Strømgren’s Kvart and Großstadtsafari. Continuing her training at Northern School of Contemporary Dance, she achieved a first-class degree and worked with artists including Vinicius Salles and Humanhood. In 2019 she became an apprentice with Barnaby Booth.

Sara Gil Agostinho Sara was born in Coimbra, Portugal, where she began studying classical ballet aged 7.

In 2014 she began training at the Royal Ballet School, UK and continued her training at Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance working with artists such as Jason Mabana, Kim Brandstrup, Charlotte Edmonds and Martin Lawrence. Sara graduated with a first-class degree in 2019.

Chelsea Gordon

Joey Hogger

Born in Birmingham, Chelsea began dancing at the age of 5 and at 14 became a member of ACE Youth, performing works by Douglas Thorpe and Jamaal Burkmar, under the artistic guidance of Gail Parmel and guest artist Vincent Mantsoe. She completed the Foundation course at Northern School of Contemporary Dance, continuing her training at London Contemporary Dance School. During her time at LCDS Chelsea worked with artists including Holly Blakey, Saju Hari and Leila McMillan.

Joey started dancing at the age of 16, at the DanceEast Centre for Advanced Training. He then went on to train at Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance, working with choreographers Kim Brandstrup, Mark Baldwin and Martin Lawrence.

Alongside his training, Joey has taught contemporary classes to young children and co-choreographed a piece for Hampton High.

Phoebe Higgins

Sebastien Kapps

Phoebe trained at Rambert School after being on the Centre for Advanced Training programme at Northern Ballet, where she performed professionally with the company.

During her time at Rambert School, Phoebe worked with choreographers Jason Mabana, Mark Baldwin and Charlotte Edmonds, performing at venues such as The Linbury and The Lilian Baylis. She was also the recipient of the Harold Wingate Foundation Award.

Sebastien grew up in southeast London.

He danced at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance from a young age, joining the Centre for Advanced Training there, whilst being part of Shoreditch Youth Dance (SYD) under the mentorship of Lee Smikle.

He trained at London Contemporary Dance School, graduating with a first-class degree in 2019. Sebastien has recently performed with Richard Alston Dance Company and Luca Silvestrini’s Protein.

Charlie Hogan

Mia Minseok Kim

Growing up in London, Charlie joined the Centre for Advanced Training at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance.

He continued his training at Northern School of Contemporary Dance, graduating with a first-class degree in 2019. During his third year, Charlie became an apprentice with MĂśbius Dance, performing works

by Douglas Thorpe and Jamaal Burkmar.

Minseok was born and raised in South Korea. Her first dance experience was at the age of 10 and she has trained in a variety of forms including hip hop, jazz, Latin and Korean dance. At age 16 she decided to focus on contemporary dance.

Minseok trained at Hanyang University in Korea, and Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London.

Lucy Martin

Mollie Rose Sutcliffe

Born in Kent, Lucy started dancing at a young age. She joined the Centre for Advanced Training at The Place in 2013 and later Shift Youth Dance Company, working with Ben Duke. She continued her training at Northern School of Contemporary Dance in 2016 and worked with choreographers Joseph Mercier, Tiia Ourila, Sharon Watson and Alleyne Dance. In 2019 she graduated with a first-class degree.

Mollie trained from a young age in many different styles of dance before beginning the Centre for Advanced Training at Northern School of Contemporary Dance.

Mollie graduated from NSCD with a first-class degree in 2019. During her training, Mollie enjoyed exploring her own choreography as well as performing in works by Charlie Morrissey, Sharon Watson and Antonia Grove.

Madeleine Millar

Ben Todd Jones

Born in Manchester, Madeleine began dancing at a young age, joining the Centre for Advanced Training at The Lowry aged 12. She studied at Northern School of Contemporary Dance on the Foundation course, completing her degree at London Contemporary Dance School. While at LCDS she worked with choreographers including Holly Blakey and Leila McMillan, performed a Cunningham event devised by Jeannie Steele, and performed at Sadler’s Wells with Richard Alston Dance Company.

Born in Cambridge, Ben started dancing at his secondary school and joined the Centre for Advanced Training at DanceEast aged 15. During his time there he performed with the National Youth Dance Company in a work by Michael Keegan-Dolan, called Inocentes. Ben then continued his training at London Contemporary Dance School where he completed his degree.

Megan Pennington Originally from Leeds, Megan began training at a local dance school and studied dance throughout high school, gaining a place on the Centre for Advanced Training at Northern School of Contemporary Dance in 2012. She progressed onto the degree at NSCD, working with artists including Jane McKernan, Humanhood, Fernanda Prata and Vinicius Salles. Megan graduated with a first-class degree in 2019.

Tour Producer: Kirk Worley NSCD Production Manager: Mark Baker VERVE Technical Manager: Chris Yates Marketing & Communications Manager: Tom McGinn Graphic Designer: Harry Morris Marketing Assistant: Alice Hiley Digital Content Officer: Jonny White

VERVE Tour 2020 LEEDS (PREMIERE) Fri 28 & Sat 29 February Riley Theatre

DUNDEE Wed 11 March Dundee Rep Theatre

LINCOLN Fri 13 March Performing Arts Centre

HEXHAM Tue 17 March Queen’s Hall Arts Centre

WOLVERHAMPTON Thu 19 March Arena Theatre

MALTA Fri 27 March Valletta Campus Theatre

BRISTOL Fri 3 April 1532 Performing Arts Centre

About NSCD BOURNEMOUTH

Thu 23 April Pavilion Dance South West

GOOLE Fri 1 May Junction

SHREWSBURY Thu 14 May Ashton Theatre

CARDIFF | CAERDYDD Sat 16 May Dance House | Tŷ Dawns

UFFCULME Mon 18 May The Venue

LONDON Sat 23 May The Place

LEEDS (FINALE) Sat 6 June Riley Theatre

SALZBURG, AT Wed 15 April SZENE Salzburg

For more information: verve@nscd.ac.uk 0113 219 3000 nscd.ac.uk/verve/tour

@VERVEnscd #VERVE20

Based in Leeds, Northern School of Contemporary Dance is a leading centre for dance training and the only conservatoire for dance in England outside of London. Since its formation in 1985 it has enabled aspiring dance artists to enter and shape the industry.

Professional training and education are offered at CertHE, Undergraduate and Postgraduate levels, nurturing versatile and enterprising dance artists with highly-tuned technical, creative and performance skills. nscd.ac.uk

Photography: Nicole Guarino (repertoire) Justin Slee (company headshots, building) Tristán Pérez-Martín (Lali Ayguadé headshot) Chrisander Brun (Mari Carrasco headshot) Camilla Greenwell (Botis Seva headshot) B.P.M Harris (Douglas Thorpe headshot)

Northern School of Contemporary Dance 98 Chapeltown Road, Leeds LS7 4BH