Northern School of Contemporary Dance

• Location: Leeds, England,
• Age of students: from 18 years old,
• Type: mixed,
• Language of instruction: English.

The Northern School of Contemporary Dance (NSCD) is a higher education institution in Leeds specializing in contemporary dance. Here, students have the opportunity to earn a bachelor's and master's degree in dance, validated by the University of Kent, and a program of classes for adults, youth, and children is available for the local community. 

The school was founded by Nadine Senior in 1985.

NSCD is known for its excellent teaching staff and innovative studying methodologies that help students develop their creativity and achieve high results in the field of contemporary dance. The school actively cooperates with professional dancers and troupes, providing students with the opportunity to participate in real creative projects and excursions. The NSCD is one of the leading institutions in the field of contemporary dance and continues to make a significant contribution to the development of this field and inspire a new generation of dancers.

The Northern School of Contemporary Dance fosters curiosity, innovation, and independence, and educates future dancers-artists who continue to advance the art of dance through scientific research and development. Staff is actively engaged in teaching and self-education, constantly improving technological methods, striving to improve productivity and actively developing creative practice. Students, in turn, work with staff as co-authors, collaborating on their projects during the research process.

NSCD prides itself on its structured curriculum, which includes interrelated topics: technique and the physical body, creative practice, practice as exploration, and performance in different contexts. The study modules provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to have a successful career in dance as performers, creators, teachers and producers. Dance styles are being reimagined through their interaction with other genres, screen dance, internet themes, and other modern technologies. Lectures usually take place in the seminar room on the first floor, or in the Riley Theatre for larger groups.

The MA PPS program stipulates an internship in a professional dance troupe for up to eight months. In the performing field, students work together with the dancers of the troupe and usually participate in the creation of works, rehearsals and productions. They may have opportunities to perform, but these are not guaranteed. The Artist-as-Facilitator direction covers teaching, marketing, organization, and community outreach. Previous host companies and organizations have included 2Faced Dance Company, Balbir Singh Dance Company, balletLorent, Dance United Yorkshire, Holsterbro Dansekompagni, Motionhouse, National Dance Company Wales, Phoenix Dance Theatre, Scottish Dance Theatre, Soul-Xpressions, Southpaw Company, and Stopgap Dance Company. The placement is overseen by the program lead and an NSCD mentor.

When preparing a portfolio, students use online resources, receive advice from NSCD mentors, and are accompanied by a troupe. Portfolios are submitted at the end of the module, with formative feedback provided halfway through the placement. The assessment of the performance module can take the form of rehearsal screenings, stage performances, or performance presentations, depending on the capabilities of the host troupe. On the Artist-as-Facilitator direction, assessment focuses on a specific project completed during the internship. The Research Project includes individual tutorials. Students can present their findings as a performance or choreographic work, a lecture demonstration, or a dissertation. This module can be studied at NSCD or remotely, provided suitable technical infrastructure is available. Remote students can access online tutorials, counseling and mental health support, study skills and English language support, and help with learning needs and neurodivergence. The school also helps remote students arrange subsidized physiotherapy appointments. An optional module usually requires 13 students to enroll, so not every option is guaranteed to run each year.

• According to NSCD, it is the only institution in England outside London to offer conservatoire-level professional dance preparation,
• NSCD+ activities are funded by the UK Department for Education, Arts Council England, and the Leverhulme Trust. Individual donors also provide support.

Northern School of Contemporary Dance offers a variety of options to help students find housing. Most students choose to live in a local rental property, which is just a short walk from the school and can accommodate 4 to 8 students.

One of the main areas where NSCD students choose to live is Chapeltown, with Harehills, Roundhay and Leeds city centre also popular.

NSCD has partnered with Unipol, an organization that provides housing for students. Unipol accredits all NSCD-recommended student housing options to ensure high quality and suitable conditions for students.

Northern School of Contemporary Dance provides its students with not only a high-quality education, but also a variety of activities and excursions to unleash their creativity and broaden their horizons. The school is well aware that studying is not only about classes, but also about the opportunity to meet new people and develop in various student associations and clubs.

NSCD students have access to diverse activities organized by the school: this includes trips to dance festivals where students can watch professional performances, participate in workshops, and interact with the best in their field. In addition, the Northern School of Contemporary Dance supports various student associations and clubs where students can show their talents and meet like-minded people. Dance groups, music groups, theater studios, and other student associations provide an opportunity for students to work on their own projects, perform in public, and develop their abilities.

The Riley Theatre presents work by visiting regional, national, and European artists and troupes, NSCD students, and participants in community and youth projects. Riley Theatre Reach connects participants with professional artists, touring companies, and live performances.

• NSCD is an Arts Award Supporter,
• The VERVE touring troupe operates at the school, performing nationally and internationally.,
• The theater is used for classes, giving students daily opportunities to develop their performance skills and stagecraft in a theater setting,
• In the Lighting Studio, students explore lighting and sound and test their ideas with help from the theatre technician,
• Two full-time library staff members support students during the week,
• NSCD+ may offer professional development opportunities for educators.

The Northern School of Contemporary Dance campus offers students a wide range of facilities and equipment designed to meet a variety of studying and creative needs. Here, students have access to modern dance studios equipped with specialized floors, mirrors and sound equipment tailored to the needs of contemporary. Classrooms are equipped where students can study the history and theory of dance, anatomy and physics of the body in motion. For creative projects and rehearsals, specialized rooms and halls are provided, including an area for cooperation and experimentation.

Facilities are:

• Two conference halls,
• Lecture halls equipped with projectors,
• 8 dance studios.

All studios are equipped with:

• Complete audio system,
• Piano,
• Percussion instruments,
• Ballet barres,
• Mirrors,
• Spring-loaded dance floor,
• Upper floor Grey dance (all but one, with wooden floor),
• Equipment for video projection or playback on a monitor.

• The Riley Theatre is the largest specialist dance house in Yorkshire, 
• Lighting studio,
• Bodywork Studio,
• Library,
• Café-bar,
• Courtyard.

The Bodywork studio next to studio 8 has machines for aerobic and cardiovascular exercise, gym mats, and Pilates equipment. The library holds more than 14,500 items and has a helpdesk and student computers. Online resources are available remotely. Students can use video cameras, iMacs, and professional software to create digital work. Seating areas with tables and chairs are located in the theater foyer, on the upstairs landing and balcony, and in the quiet zone near studio 8.

There are male and female changing rooms with toilets and showers on every floor. A gender-neutral, accessible restroom is located near the main entrance and student services. Elevators at the main entrance and near studio 3 provide access to all floors. The theater is partially accessible to audience members with disabilities. Every student has access to an individual locker for clothing and bags. During weekend rehearsals, students can wash necessary clothes in the Laundry in studio 8.

Bus services 2, 3, 3A, and 48 from Leeds city center toward Chapeltown stop directly outside the school. Driving from the city center takes about five minutes. Free parking is available for visitors.

At Northern School of Contemporary Dance, the academic year is divided into three trimesters: fall, spring, and summer. The educational process begins in September and ends in June (in some cases, the first days of July). The longest holidays are summer, lasting for two months.

The studios are open from 8.30 am to 9 pm, 7 days per week. MA PPS placement students who do not live in Leeds are required to relocate to the city from June to August for the NSCD-based module. Alternatively, they can defer the module or choose a fully written option.

Additional costs include: registration fee, visa, flight, accommodation, meals, transportation, accident insurance, medical insurance, personal education, educational materials and stationery, exams, dance uniform, sports uniform, activities and excursions, personal expenses.

There are two ways to apply to study at Northern School of Contemporary Dance:

1. Personally. The applicant fills out the online registration form and books the date and time of the audition,
2. By video. The applicant fills out an online registration form and attaches a video presentation where he talks about himself and shows his skills.

The registration form must include:

• Personal data,
• Place of academic education and qualifications,
• Link to the audition video (if the candidate applies remotely),
• Place of dance education,
• Personal statement (up to 500 words),
• Portrait photo (close-up of the face).

Northern School of Contemporary Dance has about 250 students annually, approximately 30% of students are international students.

MA PPS graduates work as performers in dance companies, freelance artists, choreographers, and educators. After the internship, the host troupe or organization may offer the student a short-term or full-term contract. Such an offer is not guaranteed.

NSCD graduates also pursue careers in arts management and education, physical therapies, and health and nutrition. Many work as freelancers or start their own companies.

School graduates  have joined the following companies:

• Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures,
• Akram Khan Dance Company,
• Bonachela Dance Company,
• Candoco Dance Company,
• DV8 Physical Theatre,
• Hofesh Shechter Dance Company,
• Motionhouse,
• Phoenix Dance Theatre,
• Protein Dance,
• Retina Dance Company,
• Richard Alston Dance Company,
• Scottish Dance Theatre,
• Shobana Jeyasingh Dance Company,
• Vincent Dance Theatre.

Companies led, now or in the past, by NSCD graduates include ACE dance and music, Akram Khan Dance Company, Balbir Singh Dance Company, Company Chameleon, Limón Dance Company, New Art Club, and RJC Dance.

Academic knowledge:

• School leaving certificate,
• Diploma of higher education,
• English language proficiency – English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider, IELTS by UKVI, LanguageCert International ESOL SELT or PTE Academic UKVI. The minimum level of English language proficiency is CEFR B2 for undergraduate courses and high level B2-C1 for postgraduate courses.

MA PPS requirements

• The program is open to graduates of two- or three-year dance preparation programs at Higher Education level, as well as dance artists with professional experience and equivalent vocational dance studying,
• Selection includes an application review, an in-person audition, and an interview,
• The audition may include ballet, contemporary dance, improvisation, devising and creating, and learning the company’s repertoire,
• The selection information includes personal data, education and qualifications, a resume, a video compilation of works, applications for selected companies of up to 200 words each, a selection of companies and information about equality and diversity.,
• Due to visa restrictions, placements with UK-based companies are open only to UK applicants and those with EU-settled or Pre-settled Status,
• Internship in troupes outside the UK is available to both local and foreign candidates. Applicants are responsible for obtaining the correct visa for their country of study.

The NSCD offers its students five main areas of financial aid:

• NSCD Scholarship,
• Living allowance in Leverhulme,
• Cancellation of tuition fees,
• Scholarship for Graduates and Alienated Students,
• Scholarship for refugees.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision