How The Northern School of Contemporary Dance is ‘changing the narrative’ about Chapeltown

Northern School of Contemporary Dance (NSCD) has been granted full degree awarding powers by the Office for Students which, according to Sharon Watson MBE, the school’s principal and CEO, is helping to “change the narrative” around Chapeltown.

"Having a school with degree-awarding powers will enable people to see the benefits of having a building like this in the heart of the community,’’ she said. “This helps finance, support and build a community. Over the last 40 years, the school has played a role in the city's economic development, and it gives us something to shout about as the only conservatoire in the North of England.”

"We offer something unique,’’ she added. “The students see that upon arrival, they feel they have entered a community that will look after them.

"They know we've got their interests at heart and they also know that ultimately, they can provide a boost for the local economy. The message it gives to local people is that education, whatever form it might take, can be for them.”

NSCD was founded in 1985 as the first conservatoire dance school within the public sector. The school, which moved into its permanent home in a former synagogue in 1987, has trained some of the UK’s leading contemporary dancers, such as Akram Khan, Tom Roden, Robert Hylton, Benji Reid and Fleur Darkin. Today, it is a Higher Education Provider and educational charity with 300 students.

Ms Watson, formerly the artistic director of Leeds-based Phoenix Dance Theatre, became the fourth principal and the first CEO of the school in 2020. She was armed with an impressive CV. Ms Watson, who trained at the London School of Contemporary Dance, was one of the first female principal dancers invited to join Phoenix Dance, touring with the company from 1989 to 1997, and also enjoyed a successful career as a choreographer. In November 2020, she was appointed as a Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire and she has also been awarded an MBE for Services to Dance.

The scale of the school’s ambition was apparent to anyone who attended Leeds Playhouse for a celebration of the work of VERVE, the postgraduate touring company of NSCD, which features 18 dancers from around the world.

The latest programme is a feast for the senses, combining 17th century choral music with stunning and thought-provoking dance sequences. Each year, the company commissions internationally acclaimed choreographers to create a programme, which tours widely and acts as its calling card. The company members are enrolled onto NSCD’s MA in Contemporary Dance Performance but work at a professional level, providing them with a last step of vocational training before entering the dance profession. NSCD is one of the few remaining institutions which provide students with the chance to be part of a contemporary dance company and perform in an international tour.

"Verve has returned from sold-out shows in Cardiff and Birmingham to Leeds Playhouse,’’ said Ms Watson.

"To be able showcase the talent is phenomenal. We are considering how we grow as an organisation and partner with other businesses. The Verve programme is all about our students' excellence. We can offer them exposure in major spaces with a big audience.”

NSCD is also due to participate in the UK’s Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) which is being held at the Royal Armouries Museum and New Dock in Leeds later this month, “to show where art can sit in unexpected spaces and places”.

Ms Watson is keen for the corporate world to engage with the school and be aware of Chapeltown’s economic potential.

“We want people to be curious and supportive of what we do. The arts do change people's lives,’’ she said.

"I really want us to be visible to the business community. They can help invest in our work, whether that's the building or the educational side of it. We have many students in poverty and the business community is well-versed in helping us address some of these challenges.”

The pandemic dealt a hammer blow to large sections of the arts sector.

"The economic challenges following COVID have hit our pockets and the areas we would like to replenish,’’ said Ms Watson. “We are seeking sponsorship and resources to advance beyond our current standing and enable our students to have sustainable careers.”

Her thoughts are focused on a ceremony which will be a symbol of hope and a testament to the transformative powers of education.

"In October this year, Chapeltown will see caps and gowns as students get their degrees,’’ she said. "We are saying to local students, ‘This can be you too’. We're swimming against the tide right now because the economy is facing challenges. It's managing how we get over those hurdles. But what we offer is a life-changing opportunity.”

"The fact my name is on a ribbon sculpture outside the Leeds Playhouse gives me great pride, I hope I've planted seeds that encourage others to succeed. Culture is not just a 'nice to have', these are critical skills which we are developing in the fourth largest economy in the country. We need critical friends to tell us how much further we can advance.”

It seems there could be new opportunities looming for a school that helps students take the first steps towards a career in the spotlight. “We’ve been working towards growth and expansion for quite some time, creating exciting opportunities to broaden our reach and do more for more people,’’ said Ms Watson. “Watch this space.”