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5th March 2019

BOVTS and NSCD alumni nominated for Olivier Awards 2019

Nominations for the Olivier Awards 2019 were announced today and we are delighted to see alumni from Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and Northern School of Contemporary Dance recognised in the nominations across four categories. Robert Hands (BOVTS) is nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical for his performance in Come […]

2nd March 2019

Central School of Ballet | Dance

Central School of Ballet announces the commencement of works at new South Bank premises following successful fundraising campaign

Central School of Ballet has announced the commencement of works for the bespoke fit-out of their new premises in London’s flourishing arts community on the South Bank in Southwark following a successful fundraising campaign. This is a £9million project that involves the full relocation of the school to its new premises including the fit-out of […]

This is a £9million project that involves the full relocation of the school to its new premises including the fit-out of the building. In March 2017 Central announced a campaign to raise £6million to finance the development and now, less than two years later, under £1million is required for the final stages of the Paris Gardens building. Support to date has come from individuals, major Trusts and Foundations and from two loans; £3million from Southwark Council and £600,000 from the Arts Impact Fund. Fundraising continues in earnest to repay the two loans.

Students on Central’s undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes will begin using the new South Bank premises during the academic year 2019/20.

The new Paris Gardens premises will feature amenities to rival dance training facilities anywhere in the UK; seven studios, a fully-equipped studio theatre, study and resource centres. The fit-out will include a state-of-the-art health suite providing psychology, nutrition, physiotherapy, Pilates and recovery from injury programme. The aim is to become a hub for a dynamic dance community combining excellence in dance training for those aiming for a professional career and a programme of opportunities for the local Southwark community.

Central currently runs a thriving community at its current premises in Clerkenwell. Over 1,200 people use Central’s facilities each week; from students training for a professional career in dance to children taking their first steps in ballet and adults using dance to improve fitness and wellbeing. The new premises in the South Bank will over the next five years allow the school to offer dance classes to thousands more in the Southwark area and give the local community opportunity to see and take part in dance and other performances in the new Studio Theatre alongside a range of other programmes in the building.

Heidi Hall, Director of Central School of Ballet, said: “The response to the capital campaign to finance our move announced less than two years ago has been exceptional. It has been most encouraging that organisations and individual arts enthusiasts believe in our ambition for wider access to dance for the public and improved training facilities for those aiming for a professional dance career. I am particularly grateful to Cllr Peter John and Southwark Council for their interest in and support of Central’s work, and to all our loyal supporters who have believed in our passion and determination to deliver this project.”

Cllr Peter John, Leader of Southwark Council, said: “This is wonderful news and we look forward to seeing the finished building and officially welcoming the Central School of Ballet as part of Southwark’s growing reputation as a cultural destination. It is one of our key commitments that local people are able to benefit from the regeneration happening across the borough, and as well as offering local people access to world class entertainment, the school is already running a satellite Ballet school at the Alfred Salter school which has been established since 2012 in anticipation of their move.”

Seva Phillips, Head of Arts & Culture Finance, Nesta commented: “Central School of Ballet’s continued fundraising success will mean that more young people will be able to benefit from the majesty of ballet for many years to come. The state-of-the-art Paris Gardens building will also be springboard for professional dancers, making an important contribution to London’s thriving artistic and cultural ecosystem. Through the Arts Impact Fund’s involvement with this project, we have been keen to demonstrate the value of social investment to long-standing cultural institutions embedded in their communities.”

[Image: Central School of Ballet dance student Erin King (17) poses for a photograph at their new premises on London’s South Bank, Feb 20, 2019. Photograph by Paul Hackett]

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1st March 2019

Alumni round up – March 2019

Joanna Riding (BOVTS) stars in Follies at the National Theatre, playing until 11 May. Richard Alston Dance Company tour this month to Sadlers Wells, Octagon Theatre Yeovil, Exeter Northcott and Virginia Arts Festival, with company dancers Ellen Yilma (LCDS), Jennifer Hayes (NSCD), Monique Jonas, Nicolas Shikkis, Melissa Braithwaite and Jason Tucker (Rambert School). Stuart Waters […]

Joanna Riding (BOVTS) stars in Follies at the National Theatre, playing until 11 May.

Richard Alston Dance Company tour this month to Sadlers Wells, Octagon Theatre Yeovil, Exeter Northcott and Virginia Arts Festival, with company dancers Ellen Yilma (LCDS), Jennifer Hayes (NSCD), Monique Jonas, Nicolas Shikkis, Melissa Braithwaite and Jason Tucker (Rambert School).

Stuart Waters (NSCD) presents Rockbottom, touring this month to Brighton Marlborough Pub & Theatre, Oxford Old Fire Station and Prema Arts Centre.

BalletBoyz present Them/Us at Sadlers Wells from 5 – 9 March, with company dancers Benjamin Knapper, Bradley Waller (Rambert) and Liam Riddick (LCDS).

James Cousins (LCDS) presents Epilogues at The Place from 6 – 8 March. The company features dancers Lisa Welham (NSCD), Chihiro Kawasaki, Gareth Mole (LCDS) and Georges Hann (Rambert).

Natalie Reckert (National Centre for Circus Arts) features in A Taste of Berlin at Jacksons Lane on 7 March.

Rudolphe Mdlongwa (BOVTS) features in Barber Shop Chronicles, at Royal Exchange Manchester from 7 March and then on tour.

Alexander Mushore (BOVTS) features in the RSC’s The Taming of the Shrew, at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, 8 March – 31 August.

Northern Ballet are on tour with Victoria from 9 March – 1 June. The company features Central School of Ballet graduates Rachael Gillespie, Ashley Dixon, Hannah Bateman, Harriet Marden, Harris Beattie, Ayca Anil, and Apprentices Matthew Morrell and Julie Nunes.

Ballet Black perform at the Barbican from 14 – 17 March, with a programme including choreography by company dancer Mthuthuzeli November (Central), Martin Lawrence (LCDS), and Sophie Laplane, current student on the MA Choreography at Central School of Ballet.

Erin Doherty (BOVTS) features in Wolfie at Theatre503 from 20 March – 13 April.

The Place presents an evening with LCDS alumnus Anthony Van Laast on 21 March.

Patfield & Triguero (National Centre for Circus Arts) present Gibbon at Jacksons Lane on 27 March.

Billy Howle (BOVTS) features in BBC Two drama MotherFatherSon, now airing Wednesdays at 9pm.

[Image: Patfield & Triguero – Gibbon]

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26th February 2019

NSCD | Dance | Alumni | Awards

NSCD alumnus Akram Khan wins eighth National Dance Award

Congratulations to Northern School of Contemporary Dance alumnus Akram Khan, who has won a record eighth National Dance Award for his performance in XENOS. The Critics’ Circle National Dance Awards for 2018 were presented this month at a ceremony in London’s Barbican, hosted by Mbulelo Ndabeni and Cira Robinson. Conservatoire school graduates received ten nominations […]

25th February 2019

BOVTS | Drama | Alumni | Awards

BOVTS alumna Olivia Colman wins the Oscar for Best Actress

The Conservatoire is delighted to congratulate Bristol Old Vic Theatre School alumna Olivia Colman, who has been awarded the Oscar for Best Actress for her performance in period comedy-drama The Favourite. Coming just weeks after her Golden Globe and BAFTA triumphs, Olivia again won over press and viewers alike with her unique style during her acceptance speech, […]

Coming just weeks after her Golden Globe and BAFTA triumphs, Olivia again won over press and viewers alike with her unique style during her acceptance speech, which can be watched in full on ABC Network’s YouTube channel.

The Favourite has won widespread praise from film critics and also picked up several BAFTA and Golden Globe awards. Set at the opening of the eighteenth century, Olivia plays the eccentric Queen Anne, supported by a stellar cast of Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz who play cousins vying for the Queen’s affections.

Commenting on her win, Olivia said: “This is hilarious!”. She also commented on the future for anyone at home dreaming of such a win, “Any little girl who’s practising their speech on the telly – you never know!”

Olivia trained at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, graduating in 1999 from the Professional Acting course. Speaking to Lizo Mzimba, the BBC’s Entertainment Correspondent, Pam Rudge, Head of Music and Singing, who taught Olivia, expressed her delight: “It’s lovely for an alumni to have won such a prestigious award. Personally, it’s lovely because I taught her and remember her as a student; she was mischievous, she had a twinkle in her eye and she was always fun to have in the room.” Pam also commented on Olivia’s generous spirit and ability to empathise with the characters she played, adding “she had an immediacy with any script she was given.”

BOVTS students have also spoken of the “buzzing” atmosphere today when the news spread and of the inspiration Olivia has provided. Speaking to the BBC about the impact Olivia’s win has had on students at the School, final year acting student Moronké Akinola said “It’s inspiring to know that Olivia has opened a gateway for women to come out and be as real as they can with how they look, how they act, and to be truthful to themselves.”

Olivia became a household name for her supporting role in Channel 4 comedy Peep Show (2003 – 2015) followed by a starring role in ITV’s Broadchurch (2013 – 2017). She also stars in the much-anticipated upcoming season of Netflix’s The Crown, where she takes over the reins from Claire Foy to play Queen Elizabeth II. Remarkably for the School, fellow alumni Josh O’Connor (God’s Own Country; The Durrells) and Erin Doherty (Call the Midwife) also play leading roles in the forthcoming drama as Prince Charles and Princess Anne, respectively. Perhaps even more extraordinarily, all three have recently appeared together in BBC’s Les Misérables.

Olivia joins Sir Daniel-Day Lewis and Jeremy Irons to become the School’s third Oscar-winning acting alumnus. Artistic Director Jenny Stephens added: “We are delighted that Olivia is getting the recognition that she so thoroughly deserves. She is a great credit to our school.”

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14th February 2019

Central School of Ballet | National Centre for Circus Arts | Circus Arts | Dance | Students

Ballet Central dancers attend workshops at National Centre for Circus Arts

Ballet Central dancers have been attending unicycle and hulahoop workshops at the National Centre for Circus Arts as part of their preparations for the 2019 Ballet Central tour. This year’s programme will include Carousel Dances by Artistic Director Christopher Marney, a piece with circus influences inspired by the 1945 musical Carousel by Richard Rodgers and […]

6th February 2019

Expressions of Interest: Survey of Conservatoire Graduate Success

The Conservatoire for Dance and Drama is inviting expressions of interest for the development of a Survey of Conservatoire Graduate Success. This survey will form phase two of a multi-phase project which aims to explore in greater depth the career pathways of Conservatoire graduates who have trained in dance, drama, circus arts or technical theatre. […]

1st February 2019

Alumni round up – February 2019

Resolution, The Place’s annual festival of new choreography, continues this month with a number of graduates presenting new work: Kayleigh Price (NSCD) presents The Left One Out on Friday 1 February. Panos Malactos (Rambert) presents 4YEARS on Saturday 2 February. FUBU Dance Company present Ruins on Saturday 2 February, with choreography by Rhys Dennis (LCDS). […]

Resolution, The Place’s annual festival of new choreography, continues this month with a number of graduates presenting new work:

Kayleigh Price (NSCD) presents The Left One Out on Friday 1 February.

Panos Malactos (Rambert) presents 4YEARS on Saturday 2 February.

FUBU Dance Company present Ruins on Saturday 2 February, with choreography by Rhys Dennis (LCDS).

Mara Vivas (LCDS) presents time/less on Tuesday 12 February.

Charlie Hendren Dance Theatre (LCDS) presents A Light in the Backwoods on Wednesday 13 February.

Declan Whitaker (LCDS) presents To Those Who Wait on Wednesday 13 February, with dancers Simea Cavelti, Celina Liesegang and Riccardo Tarocco (LCDS).

Li’An Dance – choreographers and dancers Livia Massarelli and Anna Borini (LCDS) – present Sorella Mia on Thursday 14 February.

BdBlaq Dance present Cool Breeze on Friday 15 February, with choreography by Rikkai Scott (LCDS).

Satoko Fukuda (Rambert) presents About the leaves on Saturday 16 February.

Nathan Johnston (LCDS) and Emily Nicholl present Levels on Tuesday 19 February.

Fraser Buchanan (Rambert) presents there won’t be glitter with fraser and friends on Wednesday 20 February.

Rosie Kay (LCDS) is touring the critically acclaimed 5 Soldiers, with performances this month in Salisbury (1 Feb), Scarborough (7 Feb), Bracknell (12 Feb) and Canterbury (14 Feb).

Jyuddah Jaymes and Taheen Modak (BOVTS) feature in The American Clock at the Old Vic, 4 February – 30 March.

Olivia Williams (BOVTS) features in Tartuffe at the National Theatre from 9 February.

Alix Dunmore (BOVTS) features in Bodies at Southwark Playhouse, from 13 February – 9 March.

Imogen Knight (NSCD, LCDS) is Movement Director for Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train at the Young Vic, from 14 February – 30 March.

Ira Mandela Siobhan (NSCD) features in Equus at the Theatre Royal Stratford East from 15 February – 23 March.

Rambert dance company are on tour with Life is a Dream, choreographed by Kim Brandstrup (LCDS), performing this month in Glasgow (14 – 16 February), Inverness (21 – 22 February) and Leicester (28 February – 2 March). The company features graduates from Rambert, Central and LCDS.

Phoenix Dance Theatre present The Rite of Spring at Leeds Grand Theatre on 16, 23, 28 February. The company features dancers Vanessa Vince-Pang (Rambert), Carmen Vazquez Marfil (Central, NSCD), Natalie Alleston (Rambert, NSCD), and NSCD Apprentices Jasmine Gordon, Frances Shepherdson and Elliott Augustine.

LCDS alumna and Artistic Director Siobhan Davies invites three guests to respond to her creative process in Transparencies: A Process in Company, at Siobhan Davies Studios on 28 February.

Barely Methodical Troupe (National Centre for Circus Arts) present Kin at The Point, Eastleigh, from 28 February – 1 March.

[Image: 5 Soldiers, Rosie Kay Dance Company]

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29th January 2019

Central School of Ballet | Dance | Performances and Exhibitions | Students

Central students perform in English National Ballet’s Manon

Four second year Central School of Ballet students – Olivia, Karya, Erin & Jessica – appeared in English National Ballet’s production of Kenneth MacMillan’s Manon in its opening week in London. Manon comes to the London Coliseum following a tour to Manchester, Milton Keynes and Southampton. The students performed the roles of beggars during the […]

23rd January 2019

NSCD | Dance | Awards

NSCD Kick Off Boys project nominated for Child Friendly Leeds Award

Kick Off Boys Youth Dance Project, a joint partnership between Northern School of Contemporary Dance (NSCD), Dance Action Zone Leeds (DAZL), Phoenix Dance Theatre and Leeds City College, has been shortlisted for the 6th Child Friendly Leeds Award in the Youth Group of the Year category. A record number of nominations for the awards were […]

BOVTS and NSCD alumni nominated for Olivier Awards 2019

Central School of Ballet announces the commencement of works at new South Bank premises following successful fundraising campaign

Alumni round up – March 2019

NSCD alumnus Akram Khan wins eighth National Dance Award

BOVTS alumna Olivia Colman wins the Oscar for Best Actress

Ballet Central dancers attend workshops at National Centre for Circus Arts

Expressions of Interest: Survey of Conservatoire Graduate Success

Alumni round up – February 2019

Central students perform in English National Ballet’s Manon

NSCD Kick Off Boys project nominated for Child Friendly Leeds Award

Conservatoire in Action