Northern School of Contemporary Dance (NSCD) is delighted to announce that it has been awarded a £250,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of its 40th anniversary celebrations to deliver ‘Kaleidoscope’. The funding will support a year-long programme of community events across Leeds, including Harehills and Chapeltown, where the school was first established. Supporting the preservation of local stories and heritage as well as honouring the city’s vibrant dance history.
The project will bring together residents of Chapeltown and surrounding Leeds communities, including local dancers, faith groups, schools, and NSCD students and staff, to share in the school’s creative journey. Events and activities will shine a light on the many communities who have passed through and contributed to the life of the building, a space shaped by art, culture and education, ensuring their stories are preserved, made accessible and remain at the heart of NSCD’s living legacy.
In the long term, this initiative aims to build upon and deepen community connections, while expanding opportunities for aspiring dance students from across the UK to study in the North. By celebrating its roots, NSCD continues to reinforce Leeds’ reputation as a thriving centre for contemporary dance outside London.
These celebrations will also pay tribute to the legacy of Nadine Senior MBE, the visionary educator who began introducing dance to pupils at Harehills Middle School over four decades ago, a movement that ultimately gave rise to NSCD, now one of the UK’s leading conservatoires for contemporary dance.
Sharon Watson MBE DL and CEO and Principal of NSCD comments:
“We are thrilled to have received this financial support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players this heritage project Kaleidoscope, is able to really come to life as part of NSCD’s 40th anniversary. This project is an incredible opportunity to honour the people, places, and creative movements that shaped the school’s history, while building new connections across our local communities.”
She continued:
“Working alongside our partners, students, staff, and local residents to celebrate Chapeltown and Harehills’ vibrant cultural heritage. This feels like a pivotal moment to preserve our stories, reflect on the people and communities who shaped our 40-year journey, and look forward as we continue to inspire future generations.”
Helen Featherstone, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund comments:
“As Northern School of Contemporary Dance celebrates its 40th anniversary, we’re delighted to be supporting them to deliver a fantastic programme of community events throughout their milestone year. Thanks to National Lottery players, NSCD can share their wonderful heritage, and more widely across Leeds to ensure that it will be preserved for years to come.”
As Leeds City Council prepares to mark the remarkable milestone of the 400th anniversary of its first Royal City Charter, NSCD is proud to contribute to this city-wide moment of celebration.
Photo credits: Terry Cryer
