The Place

4th time’s a charm! It was only a matter of time really, and we couldn’t be happier for alumna Jemima Brown, finally, inevitably and so deservedly a National Dance Award winner! Congratulations Jemima

Hopefully hopeful – The Rest of Our Lives is a joyful dose of dance, theatre, circus and games. A cabaret of life and near death. Two middle-aged lives in an eclectic, spontaneous, predictable and random decline.

Coming to Battersea Arts Centre on 7-22 June
🔗 https://bac.org.uk/whats-on/the-rest-of-our-lives/

Last night, the theatre community celebrated the Olivier Awards 2024 at the Royal Albert Hall, and we couldn't be happier for LCDS alum James Cousins who won the award for Best Choreographer together with the legendary Dame Arlene Phillips, who has picked up her first Olivier Award to a full standing ovation. The pair, who have worked together on a number of successful productions, have been honoured for their phenomenal choreography for Guys & Dolls at the Bridge Theatre.

Our patron and alum Anthony Van Laast directed the ceremony and also handed out the Best Achievement in Dance award which he won decades ago with London Contemporary Dance Theatre.

Congratulations also to our nominated alumni Jonzi D for Outstanding Achievement in Dance, and Hannes Langolf, nominated for Best Theatre Choreographer for his work on the National Theatre smash hit Dear England.

Calling all young male dancers! Royal Academy of Dance are hosting a competition for you!

Perform your own solo, take part in workshops and network with other aspiring young dancers on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 April.

Book your place before 15 March: https://www.royalacademyofdance.org/event/project-b-competition-2024/

Applications for our work experience programme for the Summer Term are now open. The application closing date is Mon 25 Mar 2024 at 12:00pm.

Apply here:

WORK EXPERIENCE: SUMMER TERM 2024 - The Place IMPORTANT: WORK EXPERIENCE APPLICATIONS MUST BE COMPLETED BY A PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN.

Today on 1 March it will be 70 years since Robin Howard, a hotelier and art collector with a love for dance and an eye for the next big thing, first saw Martha Graham and her Dance Company perform in 1954, while they were in London for a three-week season at the Saville Theatre. Legend has it that he went every night!

Martha Graham ignited his passion for contemporary dance and began his journey that would lead to the creation of a movement in the UK, and of course to founding The Place. "Though I didn't know it at the time, my life was undoubtedly changed that night...", he recalls in London Contemporary Dance Theatre, a book by Mary Clarke and Clement Crisp. Howard invited the company to dinner at his hotel, financially backed their second London season at his own risk, and paid expenses for British dancers to train in Graham technique. Then he instructed Robert Cohan to "form a company based on love"... and the rest is history.

Thank you to Sue Hoyle for lending us the original poster of the event that started it all. It has brought us all a sense of joy and celebration this week! https://theplace.org.uk/admin/entries/news/382729-a-very-special-anniversary

SeeingDance talks to Jonathan Goddard ahead of the premiere of Frankenstein by Mark Bruce Company, coming to The Place this March. On sale now 🎟️

https://www.seeingdance.com/mark-bruce-jonathan-goddard-frankenstein-preview-240213/

Youth Dance Platform 2024 returns to The Place on 10 Feb 2024! 🎉

See local youth dance companies as they showcase their talent in an inspiring evening of dance shows.

Companies performing include:
, , , , , , .

Catch 's "Even The Devil Has Demons" next month!

A dark, psychological dance work examining the experiences of the privileged elite and its impact on wider society.

Book now ➡️ bit.ly/4aGZDmx

🗓️ Fri 16th Feb, 3pm & 7pm

📍

(Ages 15+)

We have learned with great sadness that Emma Galdstone OBE, a pioneering and highly respected leader in the dance world, died on 22 January 2024, after a short illness, at home and surrounded by her loving family.⁠
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Emma Gladstone was a hugely respected senior arts advisor and programmer working in cultural and creative industries worldwide.⁠
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As well as being internationally celebrated for her exquisite taste and incisive acumen, Emma was a joyful collaborator who was loved by artists, colleagues and audiences alike. Her infectious laugh, delicious wit and kindness made her a cherished friend and mentor.⁠
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From 1997 - 2003, Emma was Associate Director of The Place's theatre programme, and a much loved and respected colleague.⁠
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"Emma was an exceptionally talented individual, and we were so lucky that she chose dance and that dance chose Emma."⁠ - Clare Connor⁠

https://theplace.org.uk/press/remembering-emma-gladstone-2

Looking for fun events this February half term? Bring your little ones to The Three Bears and experience a tale you thought you knew brought to life through theatre, music and puppetry.

🗓️ Feb 13-17
🎟️ https://www.jacksonslane.org.uk/events/the-three-bears-half-term-show/

It is almost time for
Kicking off next week with new shows from and , plus workshops from and more ✨

Find out more and get your mime fix here: https://shorturl.at/ivzEZ

Applications are now open for two roles at LCDS; Lecturer in Physical Development and Freelance Counsellor.

As a Lecturer in Physical Development (Pilates), you will join the LCDS faculty in providing group-based Pilates for LCDS students, and occasionally The Place staff. The application closing date is The application closing date is Mon 08 Jan 2024 at 12:00pm (noon).

Apply here: https://jobs.theplace.org.uk/jobs/3427919-lecturer-in-physical-development-pilates

Our Freelance Counsellors offer a responsive, specialist counselling and referral service to all LCDS students (and on occasion staff) experiencing a wide range and degree of emotional and psychological difficulty. The application closing date is Tue 02 Jan 2024 at 12:00pm (noon).

Apply here: https://jobs.theplace.org.uk/jobs/3442980-freelance-counsellor

FREELANCE COUNSELLOR - The Place An opportunity to join our team of fantastic Freelance Counsellors supporting the students of London Contemporary Dance School (LCDS).

The Office for Students (OfS) has today published its Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 outcomes for higher education providers, and London Contemporary Dance School is pleased to announce we have received Silver Rating overall, with Silver for Student Outcomes and Gold rating for our Student Experience.

Chief Executive Clare Connor, says:

“We are grateful to the OfS for the opportunity to demonstrate and celebrate our commitment to the student experience and student outcomes for the period 2018-2022 and we look forward to continuing to learn and develop as an organisation and with the wider sector in the approach to the TEF in 2027.”

Ailsa Hobbins, second year student on the BA Hons Contemporary Dance, and lead author on our TEF student submission, says:
 
“The student body of London Contemporary Dance School is excited but not surprised by the final TEF Rating, as the school, staff, and programme provide students with an outstanding educational experience and excellent student outcomes. This very high final rating is a result of the continued dedication from the school to create an engaging, and supportive learning environment for all students; combined with the prioritization and celebration of the student voice, and continued improvement and development of the programme for future generations. The student body thanks the Office for Students for their hard work on the TEF response and joins London Contemporary Dance School in celebrating its excellent outcomes.”

Congratulations to all our hard working faculty and students for this feat!

The Office for Students (OfS) has published its Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 outcomes for higher education providers, and London Contemporary Dance School is pleased to announce we have received Silver Rating overall, with Silver for Student Outcomes and Gold rating for our Student Experience.

Chief Executive Clare Connor, says:
“We are grateful to the OfS for the opportunity to demonstrate and celebrate our commitment to the student experience and student outcomes for the period 2018-2022 and we look forward to continuing to learn and develop as an organisation and with the wider sector in the approach to the TEF in 2027.”

Ailsa Hobbins, second year student on the BA Hons Contemporary Dance, and lead author on our TEF student submission, says:
 
“The student body of London Contemporary Dance School is excited but not surprised by the final TEF Rating, as the school, staff, and programme provide students with an outstanding educational experience and excellent student outcomes. This very high final rating is a result of the continued dedication from the school to create an engaging, and supportive learning environment for all students; combined with the prioritization and celebration of the student voice, and continued improvement and development of the programme for future generations. The student body thanks the Office for Students for their hard work on the TEF response and joins London Contemporary Dance School in celebrating its excellent outcomes.”

Congratulations to all our hard working faculty and students for this feat!

We are deeply saddened to learn that John Ashford, former Director of The Place theatre and founding director of Aerowaves, has died peacefully in London on 17 December after a short illness. He will be greatly missed by the entire dance community.

Eddie Nixon, Artistic Director of The Place, says:
"In 2009, when John left The Place after two decades as Director of the Theatre, in a short farewell speech I described him as ‘devoted and disobedient in equal measures’. He liked that assessment.
Whilst at The Place, he transformed contemporary dance in the UK. His drive led to associate artist schemes, artist development programmes, video archives, resident artists, artist residencies, commissions and national dance platforms. His endless enthusiasm for supporting young choreographers also created Resolution, a festival of new choreography which is still running after 30 years."

Clare Connor, Chief executive of The Place, says:
"John occupied a very special place in the dance universe, uniquely owning a capacity to believe and imagine an exciting future without fear. We will miss you John."

https://theplace.org.uk/press/remembering-john-ashford?x-craft-preview=oT8HbBIjaM&token=Qekp73wYYC24ur7flcMUqHXyDEwypyHw

The Office for Students (OfS) has today published its Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 outcomes for higher education providers, and London Contemporary Dance School is pleased to announce we have received Silver Rating overall, with Silver for Student Outcomes and Gold rating for our Student Experience.

Chief Executive Clare Connor, says:

"We are grateful to the OfS for the opportunity to demonstrate and celebrate our commitment to the student experience and student outcomes for the period 2018-2022 and we look forward to continuing to learn and develop as an organisation and with the wider sector in the approach to the TEF in 2027."

https://theplace.org.uk/press/lcds-is-pleased-to-announce-its-tef-rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from the Guardian for our fabulous family show Pirates! by Scottish Dance Theatre. Playing right up until Christmas Eve, come on an adventure with us 🏴‍☠️

Pirates! review – buccaneering adventure and fizzing family fun Though often more associated with abstract contemporary dance, Scottish Dance Theatre prove more than adept at bringing tales of daring on the high seas to a younger audience

🎪✨ Save the dates! 📅 Circus Enchante is set to dazzle and amaze on January 20th and 21st, 2024! Get ready for a magical extravaganza filled with breath-taking performances at Hoxton Hall.

https://www.hoxtonhall.co.uk/event/lucky-pigeons/