Enabling Artistic Growth

Professional Development is a catalyst for the growth of creativity and innovation. It enables artistic development and creativity to be explored and developed both in the Dance House and across partnership venues in Wales. Dance Explorer: Professional Development enables artists from both within the organisation and external creators to collaborate through co-productions, performances, workshops and debates - stimulating discussion and communication.

Examples of our Professional Development work:

Plunge:

As part of National Dance Company Wales' commitment to education and training we have developed an Apprenticeship Programme for six dancers offering daily company classes and learning current and new repertoire. The scheme will include six performances in Wales, and includes an education outreach programme. The opportunity aims to provide exceptional experience for dancers to succeed in a professional company environment.

Directed by NDCWales' Artistic Associate Roy Campbell-Moore, the dancers will perform a new version of Hinterland (from the current NDCWales repertoire) and a new work, Shut Up! The production performed by the apprentices, will be produced by the team at National Dance Company Wales and tour using the Company's considerable experience, presenting an evening of high-quality contemporary dance.

Alternative Routes:

This is an annual major co-production between National Dance Company Wales and Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama celebrating Wales-based creativity as choreographers collaborate with designers from Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama to make new work with Company dancers. These productions are a way of developing new talent and potential partnerships for future collaborations.

Departure Terminal:

This is a period when Company dancers have an opportunity to develop their own choreographic ideas and creativity. The project can take two forms - either by taking part in a series of workshops and discussions or being choreographers, creating fully produced works that are shown to invited guests in the Dance House.

Company Class/Apprenticeships:

The Company shares its classes and training opportunities with the next generation of dancers or professional dancers currently working in Wales.

Company Class: When the Company is in residence at the Dance House, dancers who have completed a minimum of three years professional training may join company class. The class is taught by either Company members or guest teachers. If you would like to participate in class please contact our Executive's Assistant on 029 2063 5605.

LSCD Year-long Apprenticeship:

The Company works in association with London School of Contemporary Dance to offer a year long apprenticeship programme. This apprenticeship is part of an MA and, to participate, dancers apply through London School of Contemporary Dance and audition at The Place in London. These auditions are usually held in April. This apprenticeship scheme enables dance students to join the Company for a year to develop their work as creative artists.

Production & Co-production:

The Company works in partnership with independent dance artists, composers, visual artists, venues and organisations across Wales and Europe. Dance Explorer is passionately interested in innovation, creativity and collaboration, wishing to share the unique facilities here at the Dance House with other creative artists. If the space is available, it is our philosophy to enable other creative artists to work in the building. To hire space, or if you have a project or idea you would like to discuss, please contact National Dance Company Wales.  We welcome new approaches from independent artists and organisations who are seeking appropriate partnerships for their projects.