New School of Dance Partnership Connects Students and Faculty Across the Pond

People Mentioned in This Story

Shaun Boyle D'Arcy

Body

Dance artist Shaun D'Arcy knows firsthand the impact of sharing new ideas in the world of contemporary dance. With the inauguration of a brand-new partnership between George Mason University's School of Dance and England's Northern School of Contemporary Dance (NSCD), students from both prestigious institutions will have the chance to learn, explore, and build together.

"This partnership with NSCD aligns perfectly with our mission to foster innovation and excellence in the arts," said D'Arcy, an assistant professor in the School of Dance. "We look forward to the many opportunities this collaboration will bring for our students and faculty."

D'Arcy leading a dance class at NSCD in January 2024. Photo by Amelia Perry-Falvey

The partnership, beginning in Fall 2024, represents a shared interest from both institutions to foster creativity and academic excellence and marks a significant step forward in bridging the worlds of contemporary dance and higher education. Both institutions are renowned for their dedication to dance training and academic research at the highest level.

In addition, both schools' strategic visions encourage collaboration with business, alumni, and community partners. This common goal provides opportunities for joint research initiatives, which will benefit students and faculty while cultivating a deeper understanding of different cultural and educational perspectives.

"We are thrilled to embark on this collaborative journey with George Mason University. This partnership will not only enhance the educational experiences of our students and faculty but also contribute significantly to the discourse in contemporary dance and academic research," said Matthew Slater, interim head of undergraduate studies at NSCD.

NSCD is a leading center for contemporary dance in the United Kingdom and is currently the only institution to offer conservatory-level professional dance training in England outside London. Founded in 1985 by pioneering dance educationist Nadine Senior MBE (1939-2016), NSCD offers undergraduate and post-graduate degrees and has since gone on to produce some of the leading names in the world of contemporary dance today. Alumni include the internationally celebrated Akram Khan (1998), independent choreographer Gary Clarke (2001), and Tamsin Fitzgerald (1998), founder and artistic director of 2Faced Dance Company.

While living in England for three years, D'Arcy completed a master's degree, taught dance, performed, and presented her own original works of choreography. During this time, she noted similarities and contrasts between contemporary dance practices in the United Kingdom and United States. After returning to the United States in 2012, D'Arcy remained determined to maintain those connections and open international doors for her students. A promising pilot program at the University of Utah in 2014 gave D'Arcy the chance to test the idea of a dance exchange with NSCD. Now, as a professor in George Mason's School of Dance, she has brought this exceptional opportunity to dance students and faculty here in Virginia.

A performer caught mid-movement at MSCD. Photo by Elly Welford

Innovation is at the core of the partnership with a central component being the robust exchange of knowledge, ideas, and cultures. In this early stage, the partnership is intentionally designed to allow organic evolution and growth, aiming to make way for potential exchange programs (both remote and in-person), joint research ventures, and artistic collaborations.

At George Mason this fall, D'Arcy will teach a special topics course that will support this initial phase of the partnership. Students in the class will explore the work of UK-based contemporary dance companies and choreographers, as well as take part in dialogues with NSCD faculty and students who will attend some sessions via Zoom. The course will allow for introspection, reflection, and discussion among George Mason students as they draw connections between contemporary dance practices in the United States and the UK.

Beyond the class structure, D'Arcy plans to pair students from both schools to encourage one-on-one relationship-building and conversations about their future plans and personal experiences as emerging professionals in their field. Similarly, as faculty from both institutions get to know one another and their areas of research, the open and evolving nature of this partnership allows for ongoing growth and change as new ideas emerge.

George Mason students striking a pose during a promotional photo shoot. Photo Credit: Tim Coburn

Looking ahead, both NSCD and Mason's School of Dance are hoping for the chance to arrange in-person opportunities for students and faculty alike, but are also eager to explore the all together different possibilities and pathways that unfold in the coming months as this partnership blossoms.

Follow along with George Mason's School of Dance on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, and with NSCD on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) as well as on their website.