No previous dance experience is required to attend our Saturday School classes; these dance classes aim to provide a positive, accessible and creative first experience of dance.
Saturday School classes take place weekly on a Saturday morning. Running alongside the University term dates, a 9-10 week programme of classes per term with breaks for half terms & holidays. See Term Dates here: www.nscd.ac.uk/take-part/classes/saturday-school
Booking:
To attend classes you must first book in advance via our website or box office. We cannot guarantee available places in our classes if you arrive on the first day of the term, as majority of our classes sell out in advance of term starting. If you arrive on the day without paying in advance you may be turned away.
When booking with NSCD for the first time you will need to create an account. You can then use this account to book all future classes/workshops and events with NSCD.
Trial Classes:
Each year we offer a trial class for all those interested in Saturday School classes on the last Saturday of the year (usually the last Saturday of Summer Term in June). Unfortunately, due to the demand for our Saturday School classes, we are not always able to offer trials before participants book on to the class. Should you wish your young person to trial a session before booking on to the term, please contact our Learning & Participation Team to discuss options: participation@nscd.ac.uk (if the class is sold out we will not be able to offer a trial class and you will be added to the class waiting list.
Class Waiting Lists:
For classes which sell out in advance of the class term starting, we encourage interested dancers to sign up to our waiting list (which can be found on the booking page for the specific class). Should a space become available or there is enough demand/ interest for a second class to be considered, then a member of the Learning & Participation Team will be in contact to book you on to the class.
Refunds & Transfers:
Once purchased, tickets cannot be exchanged or refunded unless the class/event is cancelled. See our full Terms & Conditions here
Please email info@nscd.ac.uk or call us on 0161 219 3000 if you need further assistance booking classes.
If you are unable to attend a session within the term you have booked on to please inform a member of the L&P Team via participation@nscd.ac.uk so we can inform teachers of the participants absence.
Missed sessions cannot be refunded or carried over. NSCD reserves the right to release the place of a participant if they have not attended / been absent for a minimum of 3 weeks and have not notified NSCD of their absence.
Participants should ensure they are available to attend the majority of sessions in the term and available for the times of their classes. Lots of Saturday School participants attend other dance classes or hobbies alongside their classes at NSCD. We encourage participants to access lots of opportunities to enrich their creative experience.
There is no set uniform for Saturday School classes. We encourage participants to wear clothes they feel comfortable to move/dance in, that are appropriate for physical activity and to wear longer hair tied/ clipped back off the face. As these classes will be practical dance classes mainly focusing on contemporary dance, participants will dance in bare feet and we ask that students do not wear:
Socks/tights/onesies
Jewellery/earrings
Anything that may obstruct their movement
The teaching team is made up of teachers of the highest calibre with experience teaching ages 4-11 (see L&P Staff). On occasion due to teacher absences, we may have a guest/cover teacher in to deliver classes and will ensure that they are equipped and skilled to teach the specific class/ age group. All NSCD staff are DBS checked & comply with NSCD’s Safeguarding & Prevent policies.
Parents/guardians are asked to wait in our front-of-house for the class duration. Parents/guardians & families will have the opportunity to watch classes at the end of terms. We understand that some participants can initially be nervous about attending dance classes and meeting new young people. If you feel your young person needs support to access the class/enter the studio, please tell us via the participation form so we can ensure more support is put in place. The NSCD teachers & staff always aim to create a friendly, welcoming, and supportive environment that builds confidence and social relationships between the students.
All NSCD Saturday School classes are open access. You do not need previous dance experience to attend our Saturday School classes. We aim to facilitate an accessible, inclusive, supportive & friendly environment, which supports all participants to enjoy & engage in dance. All classes are led by a lead artist/teacher with experience supporting a variety of learners, as well as assistant(s) who support within the studio to ensure all participants needs are met. Please let us know the best way to provide support for you or your young person, when accessing the dance class/entering our building, either via the Further Information Form provided upon booking or by emailing: participation@nscd.ac.uk.
Our facilities include:
Wheelchair Lift & wheelchair access is available to the front of house, cafe, toilet/changing & studio areas.
Disabled toilet and adapted shower facility.
Carer/support worker can attend without charge (must be DBS checked) – before booking, please contact participation@nscd.ac.uk to discuss your needs.
To read our EEDI Commitments visit: www.nscd.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion
A discretionary number of bursaries are available to support those who wish to partake but finance is a barrier. Participants must make a written application to the Learning & Participation Team, find out more info here [new bursaries page]
or
Participants must make a written application to the Learning & Participation Team, via this form and an outcome will be communicated ahead of the term: https://northernschool.wufoo.com/forms/nscd-lp-bursary-application/
We ask that participants sign up/pay for the full term of classes. This ensures the participants place on the programme of classes, as they often sell out, and also ensures we can maintain delivery of the Saturday School sessions. Classes are not drop ins and programmes of activity are progressive over the term so attendance at all/ majority of classes is advised to get the most out of the course.
No prior dance experience is needed. Our youth classes are open to all levels and are designed to introduce young people to contemporary dance in a supportive and creative environment.
Youth classes run weekly during term time, following a 9–10 week structure per term with breaks for half-terms and holidays
Booking: All classes must be booked in advance through our website. We recommend booking early, as classes often sell out.
Trials: Trial opportunities are limited due to demand. Please contact the Learning & Participation team to enquire: participation@nscd.ac.uk
You can join the waiting list via the booking page. If a place becomes available or a second class is opened, we will get in touch with you.
Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable unless the class is cancelled by NSCD.
See our Terms & Conditions here
Please email participation@nscd.ac.uk to inform us of any absences. Prolonged, unexplained absences may result in the place being released.
Yes! Many of our participants take part in other dance schools and creative activities. NSCD classes are designed to complement wider interests.
Wear comfortable clothing suitable for movement (e.g., leggings, T-shirts). We recommend dancing barefoot. Please avoid:
Our youth classes are delivered by experienced and qualified dance artists, all DBS-checked and trained to support young dancers. Occasionally, cover teachers may step in, all equally equipped to deliver high-quality classes.
Parents/guardians are not permitted in the studio during class but can wait in the front-of-house area. Opportunities to watch are offered at the end of term.
Yes. Our sessions are inclusive and support a wide range of needs. Let us know how we can best support your child by completing the “Further Information” form or emailing participation@nscd.ac.uk.
Facilities include:
Bursaries are available for families facing financial hardship.
Apply here
No. Youth classes must be booked for the full term to ensure consistency and progression. Drop-ins are not available.
Not at all! We offer a range of classes suitable for complete beginners through to more experienced dancers. Each class listing includes a guide to the level.
Adult classes run weekly during term time, in the evenings. Terms follow a 9–10 week format.
See current class schedule and term dates here
Booking: Book in advance via the NSCD website. Most classes fill up quickly.
Trial Sessions: We occasionally offer taster evenings. Keep an eye on our website or contact participation@nscd.ac.uk for upcoming trial opportunities.
Add your name to the waiting list on the booking page. We’ll contact you if a space becomes available or another class is added.
Adult classes must be booked for the full term to ensure consistency and progression. Drop-ins are not available.
Wear clothes you feel comfortable moving in. Most people dance barefoot for contemporary. For other styles, footwear guidance may be included in the class description.
Our adult classes are taught by experienced professional artists and NSCD faculty, passionate about making dance engaging and accessible to everyone.
We understand things come up! Please let us know if you’ll be absent by emailing participation@nscd.ac.uk. Missed sessions cannot be refunded or carried over.
Yes. NSCD is committed to providing an inclusive environment. Facilities include:
Read more about access at NSCD
You’re not alone! Our classes are welcoming, non-judgmental, and led by supportive tutors. Many participants are trying dance for the first time – and loving it.
Bursaries may be available for adults on low income or facing barriers to participation.
NSCD Intensives are designed for dancers aged 14-21 for VERVE Easter Intensive & aged 12-17 & 18+ for Summer School. Intensives are designed for those who are passionate about developing their skills and exploring contemporary dance in depth. They are ideal for:
Please refer to each specific intensive for age guidance and level expectations.
Yes, a foundation in contemporary or related dance styles is recommended. While you don’t need to be professionally trained, you should be comfortable with structured technique classes and able to work physically for several hours each day.
For beginner or recreational classes, please see our Youth or Adult weekly classes.
A day at NSCD Intensives usually includes:
The exact schedule varies depending on the intensive.
All intensive programmes must be booked in advance via the NSCD website. Places are limited and in high demand, so early booking is strongly encouraged.
Some intensives may offer the option to pay in instalments or secure your place with a deposit. Please refer to the individual booking page or contact us at participation@nscd.ac.uk to enquire about payment plans.
Your place is confirmed once full payment (or deposit, where applicable) is received. If the intensive is full, you will be added to the waiting list.
Accommodation is not included, but we are happy to provide guidance on nearby hostels, hotels, or student housing. Some summer participants choose to stay with friends/family in Leeds or organise accommodation with other participants.
You’ll need:
Refunds are not available unless the intensive is cancelled by NSCD. If you are no longer able to attend, please inform us as soon as possible so we may offer your place to someone on the waiting list.
View full Terms & Conditions here
All participants will receive verbal feedback from tutors and mentors during the course. A certificate of attendance is available on request after completing the intensive.
NSCD is committed to accessibility and inclusion. Our studios are step-free, with accessible toilets, changing areas, and lift access throughout the building.
If you have specific access needs, please let us know in advance via the booking form or by contacting participation@nscd.ac.uk. We’ll work with you to make your experience as inclusive as possible.
Read more about NSCD’s Accessibility and EEDI Commitments
We understand it can feel daunting to join a new environment. Our staff and student ambassadors (when available) are here to welcome you and answer any questions. A welcome email and timetable will be sent in advance to help you prepare.
If you are under 18 and travelling alone, a consent form from a parent/guardian will be required.
Yes. A number of bursaries are available to support individuals who would otherwise be unable to attend due to financial circumstances.
