DAZZLING TRIBUTE TO A TRUE LEEDS DANCE LEGEND
West Yorkshire Playhouse will be the venue for a unique and inspiring evening of dance on Sunday 8 October when Phoenix Dance Theatre and Northern School of Contemporary Dance join forces to pay tribute to Nadine Senior MBE, the Yorkshire-born dance pioneer and founding principle of the Northern School of Contemporary Dance who died in January 2016.
The evening promises to be a dazzling celebration of one of the most influential dance champions of her time who, through her educational vision, teaching and leadership, went on to inspire generations of dancers, choreographers, teachers and dance leaders worldwide.
Set to be a highlight of the Leeds dance calendar, the gala includes performances from Phoenix Dance Theatre, Northern School of Contemporary Dance (NSCD), Darshan Singh-Bhuller, RJC Dance and many guest artists, national and international, who worked with Nadine over the past 40 years including Birmingham-based ACE Music and Dance, Balbir Singh Dance Company and work for NSCD’s Centre for Advanced Training students by Company Wayne McGregor. The evening will also feature live music, film, poetry, and guest speakers including Akram Khan; all contributing in their own way to honour the life and work of an extraordinary woman.
A special performance of Robert North’s Troy Game – one of Nadine’s favourites – will be restaged by Julian Moss and performed by Phoenix Dance Theatre, RJC, Northern School of Contemporary Dance with guestsMartin Hilton, Paul Liburd and Hugh Davies. Described by the New York Times as ‘a funny and sexy romp’,Troy Game is a tongue-in-cheek tribute to male machismo which has been performed by companies throughout the world since its premiere in 1974.
Sharon Watson, Phoenix Dance Theatre’s Artistic Director acknowledges Nadine’s crucial role in her own career ‘Like so many others, I would not be doing what I do today if it wasn’t for the inspiring leadership Nadine gave. I’m delighted that we can pay tribute to such a motivating and influential woman with an evening of amazing dance talent, all of whom she inspired.’
Janet Smith MBE, Principal of Northern School of Contemporary Dance said ‘I am delighted that Northern School of Contemporary Dance is collaborating with dance partners across the city and artists from the UK, Europe and the US in celebrating the visionary leadership of our founding Principal, Nadine Senior, and the continually resounding impact of her work. This will be a very special event for us in paying tribute to an extraordinary woman who championed the value of arts education from a young age in achieving the highest aspirations for all.’
Even with her passing, Nadine’s legacy will continue with proceeds from the event going towards a bursary to support young dancers. The event, jointly organised by Northern School of Contemporary Dance and Phoenix Dance Theatre has gained the support of Leeds City Council and Leeds BID.
The Celebration Gala for Nadine Senior is at West Yorkshire Playhouse on Sunday 8 October at 7pm
Tickets are on sale now priced from £15
Book online at wyp.org.uk or call the Box Office on 0113 213 7700