www.lcds.ac.uk

This prospectus provides information about our Undergraduate and Postgraduate programmes which feature original and new dance techniques, choreography, dance technology and contextual studies as well as body conditioning alongside an all-important suite of student support services. Your work at London Contemporary Dance School will be developed and presented in collaboration with world-leading institutions, ground-breaking choreographers and be characterised by the highest design and production values.

Come and study what you love at London Contemporary Dance School and be part of the next generation of dance artists. I look forward to meeting you.

Best wishes,

Clare Connor Chief Executive

Whether you are about to embark on the first steps of your professional dance training, or you are a mature artist with years of professional experience, we want to help you make the right decision about your future. We welcome students from all over the world, from diverse backgrounds, to our purpose-built central location. In the beating heart of creative London, you can learn in a team of experts who are as passionate about dance as you are. Our programmes are led by an exceptional faculty of professional teachers from around the world, who are themselves working in the industry as practitioners, artists and researchers.

At London Contemporary Dance School (LCDS), we are deeply committed to helping you achieve your full potential as a professional dance artist, embracing the breadth of what that means in the world of contemporary dance today: a performer, a maker, a teacher, a creative thinker and so much more. Our aim is to give you the skills to enable a lifelong career.

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The Place, home to LCDS, is committed to developing choreographic talent and pushing boundaries of what dance can be. It is a choreographic hub, home to production house making and touring new work, a 280 seat professional theatre, an extensive list of classes, courses and participatory opportunities for adults and young people, and professional development programmes for artists.

You will be a part of an inspiring and supportive artistic community in the heart of London, where you will mix with exciting guest artists and see pioneering dance performance. You will perform on The Place stage, working with costume and lighting designers and technicians, studying alongside industry professionals in one of London’s boldest dance theatres.

‘The undergraduate years at LCDS have been the best of my life. With an openness I hadn’t experienced before, LCDS welcomes a diverse range of people and supports them to become well rounded artists.’Dulcie Fraser, Alumni

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Explore your practice and help develop the art form through an inquisitive, intensive and rigorous dance education delivered to the highest artistic, academic and technical standards.

Be inspired and make new connections by joining a highly diverse artistic community from across the world. You will also meet and connect with our community of visiting companies to the theatre, many of whom include LCDS alumni.

Experience studying at a conservatoire delivering world-leading education and vocational training in dance. You will learn from practicing artists and internationally renowned teachers and be encouraged to develop creatively and technically.

Experiment through a range of opportunities and pathways which include exploring other art forms like music, lighting, costume design or film making.

Enjoy life in London at one of the most creative and culturally rich culturally rich: Kings Cross. This central location is full of life and excellent transport links to help you explore what London has to offer. You will be within walking distance of the British Museum, Central Saint Martins, Sadler’s Wells, Barbican, the British Library, the Bloomsbury Festival and the Wellcome Collection, to name a few.

‘I have had the most wonderful time at London Contemporary Dance School, learning about others, the world through dance, and how I want to be as a person. it will stick with me forever.’Orla Regan,

Alumni

THE BIG 5

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Applications are made directly via our website. We are committed to ensuring that people from all backgrounds have access to dance education of the highest standard. We offer a first audition to all applicants. We make offers to applicants according to their potential to benefit from our programme.

At LCDS we welcome people with disabilities. If you need information about accessibility, please get in touch with us. We can discuss your needs and ensure we make appropriate provision should you accept an invitation to audition.

We can be contacted at lcds@theplace.org.uk or +44 (0)20 7121 1111

‘I would advise for someone thinking about applying to just apply, even if they’re doubtful at this stage, get the application in because even that process will help you figure out if it is what you want to do.’Emily Romain,

MA in Screendance

student

– Visit lcds.ac.uk and follow the link ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application

– Applications open early September (early application is advised)

– Full audition/ interview details will be sent to you once the application form is completed

– We charge a small application fee to cover our costs

– Undergraduate audition fee waivers are available. Full details are provided on the Conservatoire for Dance and Drama website: cdd.ac.uk/students

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I’m feeling apprehensive about auditioning… We understand that auditions can be nerve-racking, but we will do everything we can to make you feel relaxed and welcome. You will be greeted by current student ambassadors who have gone through the same process and can let you know all about the school and answer your questions.

Am I too early in my dance career to apply? Not at all. We are not looking for fully formed artists; we select students whohave the potential for a career as a dance artist.

I don’t have a strictly ‘contemporary’ background, is that ok? Yes, we accept applicants from all dance backgrounds; ballet, hip hop, street dance etc. What we are looking for is focus, curiosity and passion.

I cannot attend the audition in person, can I audition by video? If you are unable to attend the preliminary/ first audition, please get in touch with us as soon as possible to discuss what other options might be possible. Candidates will be required to attend a recall audition in person before a final decision can be made.

Will I have to take a second audition? If you are successful in your preliminary/ first audition you will be invited for a recall audition.

Can I get more information about the auditions? You are more than welcome to contact us before the audition to discuss any questions or concerns you may have about the day. In addition, you will receive our audition handbook to help you prepare for your audition.

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Develop your artistic voice alongside exploring your technical, creative and performance skills. We encourage you to think critically, take risks and explore your individuality so you become an artist who is prepared for a life-long career in the dance sector. You can expect:

– A full time three-year programme

– Classes from 8.45am-6pm most days

– To be taught by practicing artists and internationally renowned teachers

– Choreographic opportunities to develop your own practice

– Intensive studio-based learning that is challenging and rewarding

– High quality tutorial support and teaching standards

– Performance opportunities in The Place theatre to live audiences

– Holistic mix of technical, practical, creative and theoretical subjects

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Year 1 focuses on building the foundations by developing essential practical and theoretical skills.

Year 2 focuses on finding your voice as a dance artist as well as developing and applying your technical skills.

Year 3 focuses on the transition from student to professional dance artist. You will engage in developing new work, recreating repertory and deepening your knowledge and understanding of the creative process.

Full programme description, entry requirements, modes of learning and faculty profiles are available at lcds.ac.uk.

‘Coming to the school all I knew was that I loved to dance. Since being here my mind has been opened. The school has simply given me the space, tools, and confidence to explore this practice in a way that interests me and guides me to where I want to take my career beyond the 3 years.’Delilah Grocott Cain,

Undergraduate student

We have three postgraduate programmes; Contemporary Dance (MA and PGDip) and MA in Screendance.

Within the MA and PGDip Contemporary Dance Programme, there are different pathways: Performance and Developing Artistic Practice (DAP).

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‘The MA in Contemporary Dance Performance pathway was an incredible experience. Being a part of EDGE Dance Company we toured both nationally and internationally and the process allowed us to work closely with different choreographers who challenged and pushed us creatively. It was great to be working in a professional dance company whilst studying towards my Masters.’Taylor Han, EDGE Company Dancer 2018-2019

PERFORMANCE PATHWAY Bridge your dance education and performance career by joining EDGE Dance Company, the postgraduate touring company based at The Place, or join a professional dance company as an Apprentice.

EDGE Dance Company attracts dancers from all over the world to work with internationally renowned choreographers. You will work with some of the industry’s most respected dance artists and participate in intense periods of creation. There will be opportunities to teach and perform as a member of this touring company, both in the UK and internationally. There is an opportunity for you to propose a new idea of choreographic work to be performed at our annual residency in Famalicao, Portugal.

The four-month intensive touring period provides vital skills needed for future company work and as an independent artist. You will develop organisational and communication skills, encounter networking possibilities and working cross-culturally. The tour prepares the advanced dance student for professional practice.

Find out more: lcds.ac.uk/edgestudy

Apprentices develop their skills as performers through placements with established professional companies. This programme guarantees performance opportunities for full-time students alongside professional dancers, in professional settings. We work with Scottish Dance Theatre, National Dance Company Wales, Danish Dance Theatre, James Wilton Dance, Norrdans and more – see website for updates

Find out more: lcds.ac.uk/apprenticeships

Engage in critical reflection and dialogue - challenge your own practice and develop your artistic voice within a wider context.

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DEVELOPING ARTISTIC PRACTICE (DAP) PATHWAY The Developing Artistic Practice programme caters for both established and emerging dance artists. Offering a flexible and personalised approach, the programme allows you to focus on shaping and defining your individual artistic voice.

Our students come from a wide range of backgrounds and can create a bespoke programme catering to their own specific needs and interests with guidance from experienced mentors/supervisors.

Areas of study include performance, improvisation, dance and technology, somatics and a range of studio-based techniques. All modules are taught by industry-leading artists. For those students with appropriate experience we are also able to offer modules in choreography and teaching.

We also have a strong research community and as a student on the MA programme you will undertake two compulsory academic modules.

Depending on your prior experience, it is possible to specialise in a particular area (for example in choreography) or chose from a broader palette of options.

For academic year 2020/21 we will only be accepting full-time students onto this course.

Contact the school to enquire about possible part-time study in the future.

Find out more: lcds.ac.uk/dap

‘For me DAP is a meeting point of dance with other disciplines, a welcoming space to new horizons within dance and a supportive environment to develop as an artist. I feel grateful to be part of it.’Rocio Chacon,

DAP student

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Study the art and theory of screendance on this pioneering programme that investigates dance filmmaking and explores the intersection between choreography and moving image.

This programme focuses on developing your own practice within a critical, technical and professional framework. The course facilitates networking opportunities through a professional portfolio, placements and guest artists’ sessions. Students have access to professional filmmaking equipment and curate an international screendance festival.

As the only current MA qualification in this field, this trailblazing new programme brings together industry leaders and screendance artists and gives you an opportunity to lead and shape the future of the art form.

Full programme descriptions, entry requirements, modes of learning and faculty profiles are available at lcds.ac.uk

Find out more: lcds.ac.uk/mascreendance

‘One of the most important things for me when choosing this course, is that I knew that I was going to be working with people who really understood this thing that I thought I was working in isolation with.’Omari Carter,

MA in Screendance

student

‘This group of students are brimming with talent and intelligence… and it makes me feel very optimistic about the future of screendance.’David Hinton, BAFTA and Emmy award-winning filmmaker.

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STUDENT SUPPORT AND WELLBEINGAlongside Academic Tutor support we provide services to help all students. These are designed to promote well-being to the highest levels and include:

– Injury prevention and management – fitness screening services and treatments including osteopathy, physiotherapy

– Counselling – students can arrange to speak in confidence to a counsellor

– Housing – advice and support in finding suitable accommodation

– Learning support – support for dyslexic students and for students where English is not their first language

– Finance planning support – assistance with budgeting skills and financial management

London Contemporary Dance School is part of the Conservatoire for Dance and Drama (CDD), a higher education provider registered with the Office for Students, along with Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, Central School of Ballet, the National Centre for Circus Arts, Northern School of Contemporary Dance and Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance. This network of internationally renowned centres brings national and international artists and students together and offers unparalleled access to the performing arts industry. Student satisfaction and teaching are both rated well above average for higher education in the National Student Survey.

London Contemporary Dance School offers programmes of study that are validated by the University of Kent, the awarding body for students who successfully complete and pass the Undergraduate or Postgraduate programmes described in this prospectus.

We have many student-led initiates and societies you can get involved with. We have an activeFeminist Society and other groups who meet regularly to talk through issues that interest them including a BAME society and an environmental group.

Student-led initiatives give opportunities for extra-curricular classes and performance platforms.

‘At London Contemporary Dance School, you meet likeminded individuals who are keen to create more safe spaces in the school like setting.’Natifah White,

Alumni

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DISABLED STUDENTS’ ALLOWANCE UK applicants who are diagnosed with a disability or specific learning difficulty could be eligible for the non-repayable Disabled Student Allowance (DSA). If you have a specific learning difficulty, we strongly advise that you obtain a post-16 diagnostic test as early as possible. You will need this to apply for DSA through your funding body, to ensure that you receive the allowance. If you have any other kind of disability you will be required to submit medical evidence to your funding body. It is in your best interests to do so at the earliest opportunity.

England: gov.uk/disabled-students-allowances-dsas

Northern Ireland: indirect.gov.uk/articles/disabled-students-allowances

Scotland: saas.gov.uk

Wales: studentfinancewales.co.uk

As an International Student you will not be able to apply for this allowance from UK funding councils, however you will have access to support for learning difficulties and English language within the school.

If you have a physical or sensory disability you will be consulted throughout your programme about the kind of adjustments that may be required for you to fully participate in all aspects of your programme of study.

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STUDENT FINANCEWe are determined that financial concerns should not prevent anyone from applying to the school. We recruit based on potential, irrespective of background, and audition or interview every eligible applicant.

UK Government guide to fees and financial support for students can be found at gov.uk/student-finance.

Visit cdd.ac.uk and lcds.ac.uk for more information on bursaries and scholarships available.

We have a Students’ Fund to provide additional bursary support to students in need.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTSNon-EU students who wish to study at London Contemporary Dance School on one of our degree programmes will need to apply for a student visa. As this process can take several months, it is important that you begin the application process as early as possible.

gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/student-visas

EU students starting university in 2020/21 academic year will have guaranteed home fee status and financial support for the duration of courses in England.

gov.uk/government/news/eu-student-funding-continued-for-202021

ENGLISH LANGUAGE TESTS If English is not your first language, you will be required to take an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test. Where IELTS is not available, you will be able to obtain confirmation from NARIC (the designated United Kingdom national agency for the recognition and comparison of international qualifications and skills) that the English Language Test certificate you hold is acceptable for study with a UK HE provider. You will need to get an overall score of 6.5 on the academic paper, and must acquire a minimum of 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in speaking and listening.

Naric.org.uk/visas

Teaching Excellence Framework awarded the Conservatoire for Dance and Drama a Gold standard indicating a consistent outstanding delivery of teaching, learning and outcome for its students.

The information contained in this prospectus is correct at the time of publication and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy.

LCDS reserves the right to change the information including the addition, withdrawal or restructuring of programmes.

Any changes to the course content will be available on the School’s website so please check lcds.ac.uk before applying.

Cover: Theo Clinkard, photo by Camilla Greenwell

FIND OUT MORE Get online at lcds.ac.uk and theplace.ac.uk for information about modules, modesof study, how credits are awarded, faculty profiles and entry requirements.

Get an insight into student life, watch classes, see inside the school, find out what our alumni from the past 10 years have got up to and hear current students describe their experience in their own words in our Virtual School at lcds.ac.uk/virtualschool.

Feel free to get in touch at lcds@theplace.org.uk or +44 (0)20 7121 1111 for any further information or queries you might have.

All programme summary documents, policies and procedures are available at lcds.ac.uk/policies

LONDON CONTEMPORARY DANCE SCHOOLThe Place, 16 Flaxman Terrace, London WC1H 9AT

ThePlace ThePlaceLondon #LCDSchool

‘The staff and student’s passion for dance, respect for each other and celebration of diversity, has vastly exceeded my expectations of the school. I believe LCDS is a wonderful place to enjoy, experiment and grow as a dancer.’Anouk Jouanne, Undergraduate student