Carlos Pons Guerra: “I was a late starter into dance, but, unlike other international schools that would ask for extensive experience, NSCD clearly stated that it was looking for potential and promise, not just talent. That was really important for me as I came from a traditional Spanish family who didn’t think dance was appropriate for men, so I’d had very little experience in dance growing up. It really made the school stand out in that sense, and it made me think that if I worked hard enough, I could forge a career for myself in dance, regardless of what experience I’d had until then.
“Also, coming from a tiny island off the coast of Africa, Gran Canaria, moving to a big city like London seemed a bit too much of a jump. Leeds seemed much more manageable- a way bigger city than where I came from, but not as daunting, expensive or with as many distractions as a big European capital.
“I was also attracted to the fact that dance was, in a sense, the only subject studied at the school- that it was totally dedicated to the practical and thorough study of dance, with contextual studies too- but unlike university courses or other vocational performing art courses, where you are studying acting, singing, or other things- it felt that for three years, dance would be the focus of my life, and that was the way to give myself the best chance at it.”
C: “What I loved most about student life at NSCD was the intimate and homely feel of the school. It’s not a huge school, there’s not a crazy amount of students, so it really feels like a tightly-knit community, which is really great, especially if it’s the first time you’re living abroad. Most students live in the neighbourhood around the school in shared houses, which is fun and in general contributes to create a sense of family. You create some really strong friendships and bonds, which is important as dance training is pretty intense both physically and mentally, and you need that kind of support.”
C: “Living in Leeds is really great. It has everything you could want- all the shops, bars, cafes, etc, and it has a great performing arts scene in terms of theatres, performances, concerts, festivals, etc. The best thing is that it is a much more affordable city than London, Berlin, Amsterdam or New York, for example, so you can generally afford to have a social life outside of school, and also to get to experience things that will really help your training, such as attending performances, workshops, etc. Leeds is also home to two world-class companies, Northern Ballet and Phoenix Dance Theatre, and it has a thriving independent dance scene, so there is a lot of dance activity and potential to be involved in projects and eventually work professionally. It was because of Leeds’ thriving arts scene that I managed to set up my company, DeNada Dance Theatre, back in 2012.”
C: “I have such strong and fond memories of my NSCD tutors- and I still have some very strong links and relationships with some of them, to whom I’m still turning for support, advice or just for a beer!- which for me is an indication of a teacher that doesn’t just do their job- they genuinely care about their students, the profession, and the art form.
“At NSCD, all teachers treat everyone at face value. They believe in everybody’s potential and in finding what works for everyone individually, through encouragement and constructive feedback. I remember at first I was actually shocked at how nice, generous and trusting my tutors were- I was used to an old-fashioned culture of teachers being very mean!
“What I particularly took from my teachers was that they would explain everything as if we had no prior knowledge- which some of us didn’t- but actually, what that did was make us conscientious, independent dancers, not just machines that replicate steps. They let us learn with independence but watched over us carefully, and many of them were still working in the industry which allowed us to make very helpful connections and learn first hand about what to expect after graduation.”
C: “NSCD was a very inspiring place for me. It is formed by an international, multicultural community, which is actually based within a very multicultural city, and coming from a small place, it really helped me open my eyes to diversity, meet wonderful people and be inspired by their cultures and made me want to explore and share mine.
“The technical training was delivered in a way that allowed you to engage with it creatively and I was always motivated to continue growing and pushing myself. The school has a wonderful theatre and some really great spaces to try out new choreography and everybody seems to be ready and willing to help you with any creative idea or exploration you may have.
“I also have to say one of my favourite spots in the school is its library- wow, I spent so many hours there! It has so many books, journals, videos, music- it is like a room of inspiration, where I think I came up with so many ideas and learnt so much.
“NSCD is a demanding, rigorous and creative institution. The work is tough, but it has to be, because it is a tough industry! I think the performance and technical demands that were made of us when training certainly prepared me for an industry where you not only need talent, you also need strength, creativity and entrepeneurship. NSCD´s rigor, discipline, care and independence prepare you exactly for that.”
C: “I have been working as an independent choreographer for over seven years. NSCD´s strong technical training has been instrumental in offering me opportunities to work both in classical ballet and contemporary dance, so I have created works for companies internationally such Ballet Hispanico of New York, Nashville Ballet (I’ve created two works for both); The National Ballet of the Dominican Republic, Rambert, Northern Ballet, Sadler’s Wells, Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Attakkalari (in India) and more. I also started my own company upon graduating in 2012, DeNada Dance Theatre (formed with fellow alumni), and I’ve created four productions for the company, which have toured across the UK, Europe and the Caribbean.
“I also started creating children’s work, and Penguins, a production created for Birmingham Repertory Theatre, had a tour across the USA early in 2020. I’ve also worked on theatre productions as movement director, at the Lyric Theatre and Mac Theatre in Belfast, and have even started working as puppetry choreographer on some children productions.
“I’ve taught internationally at the University of Michigan, Vanderbilt, Ballet Hispanico of New York, the National Dance Company of the Dominican Republic, the University of Stavanger, Attakkalari Centre for Movement Arts in India, and more.
“Some highlights include a documentary that was filmed about my work by the BBC, which was called Prejudice and Passion, and which aired in UK national TV in May 2018, in a series portraying four of the most representative voices in the UK dance scene. I’ve also received two nominations for the UK National Dance Awards- in the categories of Best Emerging Artist and Best Independent Company.”
C: “Absolutely. I would recommend NSCD as the perfect place for any international students. Aside from it being one of the top- if not the top- contemporary dance training institutions in the UK, it is the perfect place to be completely focused on your studies, but also to have a great, safe and supportive student experience.”
