NSCD CELEBRATES FIRST EVER GRADUATION CEREMONY

As part of its 40^th anniversary celebrations, Northern School of Contemporary Dance is proud to announce its first-ever graduation ceremony held in its own Riley theatre in Leeds.

On 29^th October, this historic event will celebrate the achievements of 275 graduating students and mark a significant milestone in their journey.

The ceremony takes place one year after the organisation was granted degree awarding powers and welcomes Sharon Watson MBE, CEO and Principal and Corrine Bailey Rae, Patron of the organisation, to address the graduates.

The event will also recognise individuals whose contributions have shaped not only the dance sector but also promoted inclusion within the industry.

Northern School of Contemporary Dance will honour the achievements of Pauline Fitzmaurice and Celeste Dandeker-Arnold OBE for their impact on dance. Both will be awarded an Honorary Fellowship for their widely recognised contribution to making dance more accessible and representative.

Pauline Fitzmaurice has played a critical role in the development of contemporary and inclusive dance in the UK. Throughout her career she’s advocated that access to dance shouldn’t be restricted by socio-economic backgrounds.

As a pioneer, Celeste Dandeker-Arnold’s career has shown a commitment to bringing disabled and non-disabled dancers together. Celeste is both a dance artist and co-founder of Candoco Dance company. Her services to dance and disability has been awarded both an MBE and OBE for her services.

Their recognition reflects Northern School of Contemporary Dance’s ongoing commitment to championing equity, equality, diversity and inclusion across the sector. Continuing to reinforce its belief that dance should be accessible to everyone, regardless of background.

The graduation will also be supported by Blacks Solicitors who pride themselves in supporting the next generation of creative talent.

Sharon Watson, MBE DL, CEO and Principal of Northern School of Contemporary Dance said:

“We are thrilled to mark the end of our 40^th anniversary with our first ever NSCD graduation ceremony. The event is a testament to our students’ determination and courage along with the community of lecturers, dance artists and loved ones who have supported them along the way. We have watched these graduates push boundaries, collaborate across cultures and support each other through challenges. Each and every one of them carries the strength to carve out their own path in the creative industries”

The graduation ceremony has been one of many events celebrated during the year-long 40^th anniversary period. Other initiatives include the National Lottery Heritage Fund project, Kaleidoscope, which preserves the stories and creative voices that contributed to contemporary dance in the 1970s and 1980s.

This year has been a defining moment in the history of Northern School of Contemporary Dance as its degree-awarding powers bring in an exciting new chapter.