My First Term at LCDS

When I found out I had been accepted into London Contemporary Dance School I felt like all my birthdays had come at once – I don’t think I will ever forget picking up the phone and hearing Cindy (our lovely admissions officer) give me a formal offer to my first choice conservatoire.

I received a place on the BA (hons) in Contemporary Dance programme, a three-year degree course which covers a wide range of contemporary techniques alongside various creative modules, allowing you to fully explore the type of artist you wish to become. One of the biggest merits for me about LCDS is the diversity of the students and staff. This not only has become a vital part of my journey as an artist but has allowed me to make great friends.

During the first week of term we had various different induction classes, which allowed us to get to know the school and our peers. Something I didn’t expect before I came here was just how many different classes there were: Alongside my regular contemporary and ballet training I have studied design, music, and improvisation as part of the composition module, as well as regular body conditioning and Pilates sessions. Each half term there is the chance to take one class a week in a contemporary technique that is different to your normal classes. This term we have been studying release technique, something which was brand new to me but which I have fallen in love with – even if all the floor work left me very bruised in the first few weeks! To supplement this last half term, we were lucky enough to have a GAGA class once a week, a completely different technique which has allowed me to work with my body in a different way. This half term we have switched to Passing Through, which again, is completely different. It is this wide variety of classes which I have found most exciting, as there is always something completely new to get my teeth into.

Friday’s have quickly become my favourite day: Pilates followed by contact improvisation, then body conditioning and composition. Whilst it is definitely my most physical day, it always gives me a little creative boost before the weekend. Contact improvisation is my favourite technique as it allows you to safely explore pathways used while working with others and how touch can create great effect, something I’m interested in exploring choreographically in the future. I really want to do something creative after graduation.

Being situated at The Place means that LCDS is a hive of activity and there is always something more to do. I regularly attend Contact Jam, contact improvisation sessions part of the classes and courses programme. I find it really enjoyable as you get the opportunity to work with different people many of whom are industry professionals! I have also attended some of LCDS’ FemSoc (feminist society) sessions, a great place to discuss the role of feminism not only in the arts industry but elsewhere too, and a great way to wind down a little after a physical day. The Place Theatre also offers many student deals and so I have been fortunate to attend shows I would not have been able to see otherwise, such as Scottish Dance Theatre’s Double Bill and Gary Clarke’s Wasteland, my two favourites of this season.

All in all, this term has been an amazing experience, with so much going on and so much to learn it has allowed me to completely immerse myself in the world of contemporary dance and I’m very excited to see what the rest of the year holds!