At Northern School of Contemporary Dance (NSCD), we believe that the journey doesn’t end at graduation — it evolves, expands, and continues to inspire. We are deeply proud of our alumni and the incredible paths they carve out in the world, often led by courage, creativity, and a commitment to meaningful work.
Stefania Pinato and Amarnah Ufuoma Cleopatra are a shining example. Their connection began during VERVE 2016 and has since grown into a creative partnership defined by care, curiosity, and shared values. From touring stages to screen work, choreography to mentorship, both have built rich, multifaceted careers across the arts.
Their latest collaboration, WOMB PARTY, is a moving exploration of reproductive justice, born from honest conversation and mutual support. It's a powerful reminder of how art can be a vehicle for change, healing, and connection—and how the seeds sown at NSCD can grow in truly meaningful ways.
Stefania Pinato
© Danilo Moroni
We met during our time in VERVE (2016) at NSCD. A year that sparked not only a deep friendship but the beginning of a creative partnership rooted in trust, care, curiosity and shared values. Working together in the studio and touring with VERVE gave us a foundation that continues to shape the way we collaborate today.
Since graduating, we’ve both been on beautiful and fulfilling career journeys, working in dance, theatre and music, on stages, for TV, short films, music videos and gallery spaces worldwide. Between us, we’ve collaborated with the likes of Michael Keegan-Dolan (Teać Damsa), Gary Clarke Company, Public Acts (National Theatre), Douglas Thorpe (Mad Dogs Dance Theatre), Wayne McGregor (ABBA Voyage), Made by Katie Green, Barrowland Ballet, Moxie Brawl (Sarah Blanc), Sampa The Great, 2nd Hand Dance, Marriott Hotels, Sainsbury's and The Guardian.
As well as performing, we’re also expanding into new roles. I'm currently a Rehearsal Director for Scottish Dance Theatre and recently supported VERVE's Artistic Director Matteo Marfoglia in preparing the current cohort for their premiere — a special full-circle moment. Amarnah is also a lecturer at the London Contemporary Dance School, supporting and mentoring the next generation of dance artists through their training.
WOMB PARTY was born, quite literally, in a dressing room after performing. I shared with Amarnah that I was late with my period, and soon after, I found out I was pregnant and didn’t want to be. At that moment, Amarnah shared her own experience with abortion and offered support and solidarity. From that conversation, a bond deepened, and an idea began to grow.
Amarnah Ufuoma Cleopatra
© Jack Lewis Williams
We began having more open, honest, and vulnerable conversations — not only about our experiences but also about the systems that shaped them. We recognised how lucky we are to live in a country where abortion is legal and free (at the moment, and hopefully forever), and how rare and precious it can be to have someone to talk to about it. That recognition of both privilege and care became the driving force behind WOMB PARTY. At it's heart, this work is about empowerment. For people who’ve had abortions, we want it to offer solidarity, softness and support. For those who may need abortions in the future, we hope it provides clarity and care. And for those supporting others, we want to offer information and empathy.
Creating this piece has deepened our commitment to activism through art. We’re passionate about reproductive justice, and our research showed us that there are very few resources for dancers and physically active people who are navigating abortions and returning to movement.
So alongside the show, we’re developing a guide for dancers and embodied individuals on navigating abortion and returning to physical activity. We’re creating this in collaboration with One Dance UK and healthcare practitioners, with the aim of offering thoughtful, accessible and body-aware support.
We’ve also had the honour of working with Léa Tirabasso as a choreographic mentor and Andrea Heaton on scriptwriting and direction. From the very beginning, we knew this work needed a wider creative team, and we’ve since collaborated with composers, voice-over actors, designers and reproductive rights organisations to bring this world to life.
To NSCD and VERVE — Thank you for the space, the support, and the spark that brought us together. It’s where our collaboration began, and it continues to shape how we move through the world as artists.
You can catch the world premiere of WOMB PARTY on Friday 25 & Saturday 26 April at The Place - Tickets here
If you're an alumni making moves in the arts world, we'd love to hear from you! Get in touch via email at alumni@nscd.ac.uk
