Northern School of Contemporary Dance limbers up for expansion

Northern School of Contemporary Dance (NSCD) has appointed DCA Consultants to lead business planning and property feasibility studies as it looks to expand.

The consultancy will support the Leeds-based dance school to achieve its ambition of becoming a world-leading centre for dance education and development.

The feasibility study will explore opportunities to expand current provision, improve existing facilities, and consider the potential of developing new facilities.

DCA’s team will be led by David Clarke, a leading cultural consultant, supported by Nicola Walls, Eilidh Henderson and Ana Cristobal from Page\Park Architects, Atam Verdi from Aspinall Verdi property regeneration consultants and fundraiser Anna Scrine.

NSCD, which in 2016 celebrated its 30th year, is one of eight specialist schools forming the national Conservatoire for Dance and Drama (CDD).

It is the only school to offer conservatoire-level Higher Education in contemporary dance outside of London. The school was recently awarded National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) status from Arts Council England for its theatre and professional development programme and provision for young people; recognising its important contribution to talent retention and the development of Leeds as a national dance hub.

Janet Smith, principal of Northern School of Contemporary Dance, said:
“I am very excited about this opportunity for the School. We have a proud history in Leeds and are a key part of the infrastructure that has led to Leeds achieving ‘City of Dance’ status. The time is now right for us to look ahead to the next 30 years, identifying how we can work with public and private sector partners to attract and support the next generation of young dance talent, and offer courses and education facilities of national and international calibre.

“As we now also look to the future as one of Arts Council’s National Portfolio Organisations, we must ensure the best possible facilities for our public audiences and dance professionals. This consultancy takes place at an exciting time not only for NSCD but for the city as a whole, as Leeds becomes increasingly recognised as an international centre of excellence for dance.”

Justin Slee