Northern School of Contemporary Dance (NSCD) was founded in 1985 as the first conservatoire dance school within the public sector. Nadine Senior was the founding Principal, and she established the school to give the young people of Leeds vocational dance training following the success of her earlier teaching work at Harehills Middle School.
Since its inception in 1985, NSCD has produced some of the UK’s leading contemporary dance artists, including Akram Khan, Tom Roden, Robert Hylton, Benji Reid, and Fleur Darkin. NSCD moved into its permanent home of a former synagogue in Chapeltown in 1987, and since then, it has grown into one of the UK’s leading dance training institutions. Nadine Senior MBE retired in December 2001 and was succeeded by Gurmit Hukam as Principal in January 2002.
In 2012, Janet Smith left her position of Artistic Director of Scottish Dance Theatre to become Principal of NSCD. Well known for her inclusive dance practice and passion for developing young artists, this marked the beginning of an exciting new phase for the school. ON
Our Vision is A world-leading center for dance education and development. Our Mission is to provide an inspirational learning experience, from the first contact through into the profession, enabling aspiring dance artists and dance professionals, regardless of background, to shape the future of dance.
Our Values are The transformative power of dance and arts education to uplift, inspire, stimulate our emotions, and help us create a tolerant and cohesive society. Inclusive learning and collaboration in a spirit of mutual respect and generosity. Curiosity, self-reflection, and open-mindedness. Creative risk-taking, innovation, and investment in on-going artist and artform development. Aspiration, self-motivation, and dedication in striving for excellence. Diversity – our differences and the things that we have in common, and that diversity inspires creativity and enriches our lives. Our relationship to local, regional, national, and international communities and the broader dance ecology. The nurturing and investment that leads to independence and resilience. Using resources in a way that is responsible and environmentally sustainable.
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