Dance artist Shaun D’Arcy knows first-hand the impact that exchanging new ideas has in the world of contemporary dance. With the launch of a brand new partnership between George Mason University’s School of Dance and the Northern School of Contemporary Dance (NSCD) in England, students from both prestigious institutions will have the opportunity to learn, explore and develop together.

“This partnership with NSCD aligns perfectly with our mission to promote innovation and excellence in the arts,” said D’Arcy, assistant professor in the School of Dance. “We look forward to the many opportunities this collaboration will provide for our students and faculty.”

The partnership, which begins in fall 2024, reflects both institutions’ shared interest in fostering creativity and academic excellence and represents a significant step forward in connecting the worlds of contemporary dance and higher education. Both institutions are known for their commitment to dance education and academic research at the highest levels.

In addition, the strategic visions of both schools encourage collaboration with businesses, alumni and community partners. This shared goal provides opportunities for joint research initiatives that benefit students and faculty while fostering a deeper understanding of diverse cultural and educational perspectives.

“We are very excited about this collaboration with George Mason University. This partnership will not only enhance the educational experiences of our students and faculty, but will also contribute significantly to contemporary dance discourse and academic research,” said Matthew Slater, interim director of undergraduate programs at NSCD.

NSCD is a leading centre for contemporary dance in the UK and currently the only institution offering professional dance training at conservatory level in England outside London. Founded in 1985 by pioneering dance educator Nadine Senior MBE (1939-2016), NSCD offers Bachelors and Masters degrees and has since produced some of the leading names in the world of contemporary dance. Alumni include the internationally acclaimed Akram Khan (1998), independent choreographer Gary Clarke (2001) and Tamsin Fitzgerald (1998), founder and artistic director of 2Faced Dance Company.

During her three years in England, D’Arcy completed a master’s degree, taught dance, performed, and presented her own choreography. During this time, she noticed the similarities and differences between contemporary dance practices in the United Kingdom and the United States. Upon returning to the United States in 2012, D’Arcy was determined to maintain these connections and open international doors for her students. A promising pilot program at the University of Utah in 2014 gave D’Arcy the opportunity to test the idea of ​​a dance exchange with the NSCD. Now, as a professor at George Mason’s School of Dance, she has made this extraordinary opportunity available to dance students and faculty here in Virginia.

Innovation is at the heart of the partnership, with the intensive exchange of knowledge, ideas and cultures being a key component. At this early stage, the partnership is deliberately designed to allow for organic development and growth, paving the way for potential exchange programs (both remote and in-person), joint research endeavors and artistic collaborations.

This fall, D’Arcy will teach a specialty course at George Mason University designed to support this first phase of the partnership. Students in the course will explore the work of contemporary dance companies and choreographers from the UK and participate in dialogues with NSCD faculty and students, who will follow some sessions via Zoom. The course will provide George Mason University students with opportunities for introspection, reflection, and discussion as they make connections between contemporary dance practices in the US and the UK.

Beyond the classroom structure, D’Arcy plans to bring students from both schools together to encourage the building of personal relationships and conversations about their future plans and personal experiences as emerging professionals in their field. As faculty from both institutions get to know each other and their research areas, the open and evolving nature of this partnership allows for continued growth and change as new ideas emerge.

Looking ahead, both NSCD and Mason’s School of Dance are hopeful for the opportunity to host in-person events for students and faculty, but are also excited to explore the very different opportunities and avenues that will emerge in the coming months as this partnership evolves.

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