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News Releases
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Trinity Laban Launches New MA and MFA Programmes (2 July '10)Zoi Dimitriou – In the Process of…19 July at Laban (9 June '10)Transitions Alumnus Joins Michael Clark Company (1 June '10)Anthony Bowne on Londondance.com (1 June '10)Trinity Laban Announces Loveday Scholarship (25 May '10)Trinity Laban’s Anthony Bowne and Derek Aviss Receive Honorary Visiting Professorships (6 May '10)BBC1’s Question Time Live at Laban! (23 April '10)Trinity Laban Acquired The Blackheath Halls Freehold (16 April '10)Dance Vote 2010 (13 April '10)From Acrobatics to Flamenco: The Summer Season at Laban Theatre (25 March '10)Recent research at Laban finds that Dance Enhances Self Esteem in Young Women (21 January '10)Laban receives £24,000 from BBC Children in Need for work with Disabled Children (9 December '09)Postgraduate Showcase Review (9 October '09)Transitions wins ‘Best International Production’ at Amsterdams’ ITs Festival (9 July '09)
2 July '10
Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance is pleased to announce the launch of its new MA and MFA programmes in Creative Practice, validated by City University London. These include a professional pathway delivered in partnership with Independent Dance and Siobhan Davies Dance, and a module led by artists from The Cholmondeleys and The Featherstonehaughs.
The MA Creative Practice is a one year programme with two distinct pathways. The Dance Professional Practice pathway is designed for the professional practitioner. It provides a rigorous and investigative learning and research environment to support professional dance artists to further develop their practice. Mid-career artists can reflect on their previous professional experience and its role in their ongoing learning, engage in intensive studio-based learning with internationally renowned dance artists and a professional peer group, deepen their own practice as performers/makers, develop their understanding of a range of research methodologies within the arts, and pursue their own area of artistic interest through substantial independent research. Key elements of study will be delivered by Independent Dance and Siobhan Davies Dance at the RIBA award winning Siobhan Davies Studios in South East London.
Students choosing the Self-Selected pathway will develop their interest in and practice of dance and dance related activities following their undergraduate and post-graduation experiences. The pathway also allows for and reflects declared interests in the wide diversity of activities under the dance rubric. The programme responds to such diversity and provides a scope of enquiry that matches the broad canvas of dance as a collaborative art. The range of modules available will suit those wanting to gain specialist knowledge in differing but related areas of creative practice. It includes a module focussed on choreographic practice across the creative industries, delivered at placements managed by The Cholmondeleys.
The MFA in Creative Practice programme is an exciting development in Trinity Laban’s collaborative practice and research activities. Housed in the Stirling Prize winning Laban building in Deptford, South East London, the diversity of study allows students to further develop their interest in and practice of dance, performance and related activities. Catering for student interest in a range of reflective research activities, this programme provides an interdisciplinary environment where students can deepen their understanding and experience of their arts practice and benefit from a range of collaborative opportunities.
Trinity Laban was formed in 2005 by the merger of Trinity College of Music and contemporary dance centre Laban – both leaders in their respective fields. These new programmes are an expansion of Trinity Laban’s existing postgraduate provision in dance, all of which has been revitalised.
Trinity Laban Principal Professor Anthony Bowne says: “We are very pleased to be partnering with Independent Dance, Siobhan Davies Dance and The Cholmondeleys and The Featherstonehaughs to offer these innovative new programmes. I am constantly amazed by the quality and breadth of work developed by Trinity Laban postgraduate students. These new programmes will provide even richer opportunities for exploration, collaboration and creative excellence.”
Siobhan Davies, renowned choreographer and Artistic Director of Siobhan Davies Dance and Gill Clarke, Independent Dance’s co-director, comment: “We are very excited about the potential of this new partnership for independent dance artists and for dance. This MA provides a frame within which dance artists can gain academic recognition for their artistic research, making and performance, and an opportunity to further their investigations and confidently build their future practice. The academic and artistic body of work produced by the MA students, alongside their expanded knowledge, will add to both the understanding and evolution of dance as an artistic and research practice as it increasingly contributes its distinct voice to contemporary creative thinking.”
Lea Anderson, choreographer and director of the Cholmondeleys and its ‘brother’ company The Featherstonehaughs says: ““I am very excited that we are able to offer this module. There is so much potential for choreography and movement direction in related performance and The Cholmondeleys and The Featherstonehaughs are well placed to help artists who wish to explore this relationship with their own practice.”
For more information visit our Graduate School section
9 June '10
Zoi Dimitriou – In the Process of…
Monday 19 July, 1930hrs
Laban Theatre, Laban, Creekside, London SE8 3DZ
Tickets £12 / £8 (concessions)
Booking: 020 8469 9500 or via www.laban.org
Acclaimed dancer and choreographer Zoi Dimitriou returns to Laban Theatre with a compelling new work, In the Process of… In this beautifully crafted duet, a man and woman negotiate a series of endings. Acting as both a help and hindrance, 60 wooden hula-hoops manipulate the couple’s relationship on stage, even at times becoming the sole protagonist!
In The Process of… draws upon the complex compositional structures used by American player-piano composer Conlon Nancarrow, and studies around the effect of film figure movement and genre recognition. Zoi brings together the rational and the irrational, weighing the quality of the human body against that of objects, language, sound and light.
Laban alumnus Zoi has been commissioned to create work for The Greek National Ballet Company, Shift Company and Laban. She has danced with companies including Yvonne Rainer, Felix Ruckert, Bedlam Dance, Blue White Dance Company and Siobhan Davies Dance, and regularly teaches for various organisations including Laban, The Place and Independent Dance. In 2008 she received the Robin Howard Foundation Award and in 2009 she was awarded a Bonnie Bird Choreography Fund Award. Zoi was recently announced as a winner of the CfC 2010 Award (Choreography for Children) from the Company of Angels in association with Sadler’s Wells and London Contemporary Dance School, for which she will create new work for young audiences to be performed in 2011.
Book tickets
1 June '10
Laban is very proud to announce that Transitions Dance Company alumnus Brooke Smiley is now performing with the critically-acclaimed Michael Clark Company.
Brooke graduated from Transitions in 2007, after working with choreographers Aszure Barton, Cristian Duarte, Jenni Kivelä, Henri Oguike and Pablo Ventura on the company’s annual tour. Transitions bridges the gap between training and a professional performance career for exceptional young dancers, and Brooke is the latest in a line of talented graduates who have gone on to work with leading companies including New Adventures, Akram Khan Company, Siobhan Davies Dance Company, DV8 and Rambert Dance Company.
Pioneering choreographer Michael Clark formed his company in 1984, and is famous for his legendary collaborations with bands, fashion designers and visual artists including Wire, BodyMap, Leigh Bowery, Trojan and Sarah Lucas.
You can see Brooke performing in Clark’s latest critically acclaimed work, come, been and gone, at the Barbican from June 3-12. Tickets can be booked here
1 June '10
Laban Principle Anthony Bowne recommends performances this summer on Londondance.com.
Click here to read the article
25 May '10
Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance is delighted to announce the establishment of The Loveday Scholarship, the Conservatoire’s first scholarship available to both dance and music students. Generously bestowed by Mark and Liza Loveday who are enthusiastic supporters of the arts, the scholarship will be awarded to postgraduate students from the academic year 2010/11.
There will be five ‘Loveday Scholars’ every ten years – four musicians and one dancer. All exceptionally talented music or contemporary dance students in need of financial support to continue their studies will be eligible.
Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance was formed in 2005 when contemporary dance centre Laban and Trinity College of Music – both leaders in their respective fields – came together. Based in landmark buildings in South East London, Trinity Laban is known for its exceptional training, vibrant programme of performances and festivals, and groundbreaking education, community and social-inclusion schemes.
Anthony Bowne, Joint Principal of Trinity Laban, says: “The new Loveday Scholarship offers an invaluable opportunity for the most talented music and dance students - who may otherwise be unable to sustain their studies - to continue to grow as artists with access to the highest quality of training. We are very grateful to Mark and Liza Loveday for their generous support.”
Mark and Liza Loveday comment: “We are excited to establish this scholarship as part of our ongoing relationship with Trinity Laban, supporting the excellent work the Conservatoire does in nurturing highly gifted music and dance students. We very much look forward to seeing the Loveday Scholars in action at future performances.”
6 May '10
Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance (Trinity Laban) is pleased to announce that its Joint Principals Anthony Bowne and Derek Aviss have been appointed Honorary Visiting Professors of City University.
The Principals were guests at City University’s Chancellor’s dinner at Mansion House on April 22. On the same day each received a letter from City University’s Acting Vice-Chancellor Julius Weinberg announcing that the Senate of the University had conferred the role of Honorary Visiting Professor on them.
City University validates Trinity Laban’s undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes and has a longstanding relationship with the conservatoire.
Trinity Laban was formed in 2005 by the merger of Trinity College of Music (Trinity) and contemporary dance centre Laban. Derek Aviss from Trinity and Anthony Bowne from Laban were appointed Joint Principals of the new institution in 2006. Trinity Laban is known as a leader in innovative music and contemporary dance education, with over 1000 students across two landmark campuses in South East London. In addition to its undergraduate and postgraduate training, Trinity Laban delivers a vibrant programme of performances and festivals as well as groundbreaking education, community and social-inclusion schemes.
23 April '10
Landmark dance centre Laban was delighted to welcome back the long-established BBC political debate show, Question Time, on Thursday 22 April, following the team’s last broadcast from the Deptford building in 2007. Unusually, the programme was broadcast live, following the second live leaders’ debate earlier that evening.
The programme, which offers British voters a unique opportunity to quiz top decision-makers on the events of the day, was filmed in front of a live studio audience in Laban’s sleek 300-seat Bonnie Bird Theatre. The panellists were Yvette Cooper, William Hague, Sir Menzies Campbell, Elfyn Llwyd and Ann Leslie.
In the years since it was first broadcast in 1979, Question Time has become something of a national institution. David Dimbleby is the current host of the programme, building on the authority and approachability of his predecessors, Sir Robin Day and Peter Sissons. The panels are drawn from significant figures in politics as well as industry, the media and entertainment, and each year, some 30,000 members of the public apply to join the debate by being in the studio audience.
Laban, the largest contemporary dance centre in the world, has featured in films and TV programmes including the Guy Ritchie feature film RockNRolla, BBC’s Spooks, Holby Blue and Primeval and Channel 4’s Extreme Male Beauty.
16 April '10
The Boards of the Blackheath Preservation Trust Limited (BPT) and Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance (Trinity Laban) are pleased to announce that agreement has been reached for the freehold interest in The Blackheath Halls to be transferred by BPT to Trinity Laban.
Frank Smith, Chairman of the BPT, said: “The aim of the BPT throughout its 70 years has been to secure the future of the historic buildings which contribute so much to the character of Blackheath, until each property’s future can be secured by transfer to an owner who shares the same aims and objectives. Trinity Laban has demonstrated its commitment to the Halls not only through its extensive financial support to the Halls’ operating company since 2003, but also through its support of the community, educational and artistic activities at the Halls and its programme for the restoration and improvement of the building itself. I have every confidence that, in transferring the freehold now, our strategic aims will be met and the future of the Halls as a performance venue will be enhanced for the benefit of the immediate and the wider community.”
Anthony Bowne, Joint Principal of Trinity Laban – formed in 2005 through the merger of Trinity College of Music and contemporary dance centre Laban – said: “At Trinity Laban we aim to advance our art forms by bringing together artists to train, collaborate and research in inspiring creative, intellectual and physical spaces. Our vision is to ensure the highest standards of excellence in both training and performance whilst contributing to, and learning from, our local communities. The transfer of the freehold will help us develop the Halls as a sustainable centre for the performing arts, as well as a much valued asset for both the local community and Trinity Laban. We look forward to working with the Friends of Blackheath Halls and other members of the community to ensure that the building’s impressive architectural features are preserved, and that a vibrant and sustainable artistic programme continues to be cultivated at the Halls.”
Mike Hildesley, Chairman of Blackheath Halls and a Governor of Trinity Laban, said:
“We are extremely grateful to BPT for its essential part in rescuing the Halls as a historic building, starting with its purchase of the building in 1979. I would also like to thank them for all the support – both financial and in so many other ways - BPT has given to the Halls over the past 30 years and indeed for all the work it has done over more than 70 years to preserve the character of Blackheath. Since 2003, when Trinity College of Music took over the charity which operates the Halls, much work has been done, with the support of the local community, to repair and maintain the fabric, as well as to stabilise the financial position of the Halls. We now look forward with confidence to the next phase of regenerating the Halls as a centre for the performing arts to which the whole community can contribute and of which they can be proud.”
For further information please contact:
Trinity Laban: Miranda Harris mharris@trinitylaban.ac.uk or 020 8469 9549
13 April '10
DanceVote 2010 is looking for people with a passion for dance to join their campaign.
DanceVote 2010 is the national advocacy campaign to put dance on the agenda of future MPs.
Their aims are as follows:
1. To connect every politician standing for election to parliament with a dance activity in their local area
2. To highlight the popularity of dance among constituents and the benefits to residents
3. To underline the need for sustained public funding in order to build on (and not undermine) the progress achieved over the past few years
4. To champion the value of dance as an art form, as well as in health and education
5. To secure a statement on how candidates will support dance and the arts if they are elected
For more information and to have your say visit www.dancevote2010.com
25 March '10
This summer, the Laban Theatre will present a rich array of dynamic dance and performance, featuring styles from acrobatics to flamenco, with critically acclaimed choreographers alongside the very best emerging talent. Performers include mimbre, Lost Dog, Mi Tierra Flamenca, Zoi Dimitriou and Transitions Dance Company.
Opening the season, stunningly agile female trio mimbre return to Laban with a beautifully improbable acrobatic adventure, Until Now (April 19/20). Known for their charming storytelling which blends physical theatre, dance and world-class acrobatic performance, in Until Now the trio fashion a poetic universe of joyful flips and harmonious balances with effortless and breathtaking elegance. Rooted in a timeless and peculiar world, a story unfolds with the lightest of touches, speaking of journeys, good-byes and astonishing feats of friendship.
Salvage (April 27/28) is a bold and moving new work from the award winning company Lost Dog. Employing their unique blend of beautiful movement, subtle storytelling and striking live music, Salvage explores aftermaths. Centring on a group of friends coping with loss and a woman who can’t let go, this is a show about mornings after, big and small disasters and how we keep on running.
Witness eleven dynamic young dancers performing work by some of the most engaging choreographers on the international contemporary dance scene as Laban’s graduate Transitions Dance Company perform a mixed bill of new work choreographed by Angela Woodhouse, Cameron McMillan and Colin Poole (5 – 7 May). From Woodhouse’s minimal yet intense movement, to Poole’s provocative exploration of sensuality and sexuality, via McMiIlan’s thrillingly high voltage piece of pure dance, this is the perfect opportunity to catch inspiring new work performed by some of the brightest young talent emerging on the contemporary dance scene.
Bringing an infectious dose of flamenco flare to the Laban Theatre, Mi Tierra Flamenca (meaning "my flamenco homeland") originated in Jerez de la Frontera in Andalusia, where the company’s founding members, Ester and Uri Tal, lived for many years. A journey from the dark and stormy to the radiant, Unearthed (July 13/14) takes the viewer to the very heart and soul of flamenco. Both authentically powerful and artistically rich in its theatrical twists, Unearthed will appeal to dance enthusiasts, theatre-lovers and flamenco aficionados alike.
Closing the season is acclaimed dancer and choreographer Zoi Dimitriou, winner of the 2009 Bonnie Bird Choreography Fund Award. In the Process of… (19 July) is a beautifully crafted new duet in which a man and woman negotiate a series of endings. Acting as both a help and hindrance, 60 wooden hula-hoops manipulate the couple’s relationship on stage, even at times becoming the sole protagonists!
Alongside these professional artists, talented dancers from Laban’s BA (Hons) Dance Theatre course and One Year Programmes showcase fresh new work in end of year performances. First up is the Laban BA2 Choreography Show (7 – 10 June), featuring varied short works choreographed by second year students and performed in and around the Laban building. Laban BA1 Students in Performance (14/15 June) follow suit with two nights of contemporary dance choreographed by Zoi Dimitriou, Gary Lambert, Naomi Lefebvre Sell, and Susan Sentler. The One Year Programme End of Year Show (18/19 June) will feature choreography by Gary Lambert and Hagit Yakira alongside work created by the students themselves.
The Laban Degree Show 2010 (26/29 June) is the celebratory pinnacle of an intensive three year journey for dance artists graduating from Laban’s BA (Hons) Dance Theatre programme. Catch these talented young performers as they enter the professional dance arena in what is always an exciting and revelatory encounter with new dance.
Also taking to the stage, promising young dancers from Laban’s Centre for Advance Training (aged 13-18) showcase their talents in the CAT End of Year Show (17/18 July), and a large and energetic cast from toddlers to teenagers perform in Laban’s Saturday Morning Children’s Classes End of Year Show (3 July).
For more information on all Laban performances and to book tickets please see www.laban.org
21 January '10
Laban, in partnership with the North Kent Local Authorities Arts partnership (NKLAAP) have recently released a report on the findings of an innovative participatory research project dance 4 your life.
The study examined the physical and psychological impact of dance on young women aged 14 and took place in schools across North Kent. It offered students the opportunity to take part in dynamic and fun dance classes, and also enabled vital research into the specific benefits of dance.
The study found:
• A statistically significant improvement in levels of self esteem among students who had taken part in dance classes
• Clear benefits of dance on physical health, with statistically significant improvements in aerobic capacity and upper body strength among participants
• Teenage girls are receptive and positive towards dance as a physical activity, even at an age when statistics show many begin to drop out of physical activities
• Intrinsic motivation levels among the participants were above average before the dance classes began, and these high levels were maintained
For images or interviews please contact Miranda Harris on 020 8469 9549 or mharris@trinitylaban.ac.uk
Notes to Editors
NKLAAP
NKLAAP incorporates Gravesham Borough Council, Swale Borough Council, Medway Unitary Authority, Kent County Council and works closely with Arts Council England, South East. Formed in 2003 following a consultation with the Local Government Association, Local Authority representatives and the publication Vision for Partnership, NKLAAP was established as one of 12 sub regional partnerships with guidance from Arts Council England, South East. The Partnership way of working represents an important step forward in maximising the benefits the arts can bring to communities and individuals within each local area. www.nklaap.com
Laban
Laban is an internationally renowned conservatoire for professional contemporary dance training, at the forefront of developing undergraduate, postgraduate and professional level courses. Based in an awe-inspiring landmark building in Deptford Creekside, SE8, state-of-the-art facilities include 13 dance studios, a health suite, café and 300-seat purpose built theatre. www.laban.org
Dance Science
Dance Science is a relatively new but fast growing area of research and study. By recognising the dancer as an athlete and investigating the dancer from physiological, biomechanical and psychological perspectives, the aim of dance science is to enhance dance training practices and optimise the dancer’s potential as an elite performer.
Click here to download Dance 4 Your Life Full Report 2009
Click here to download Dance 4 Your Life Launch Report
9 December '09
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Laban Dance Ability participant © Benedict Johnson |
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Deptford-based dance centre Laban has received a grant of £24,000 from BBC Children in Need to support its Dance Ability class over the next three years. Laban dance specialists work with disabled children, aged 5-12 years old, and their families. The programme welcomes any child with learning difficulties; autistic spectrum disorders and/or physical disabilities; and deaf/hearing impaired children; including wheel chair users.
Dance Ability caters for children aged 5-12 years. During the classes children are encouraged to explore their movement through guided exercises and imaginative play. There are many benefits: each child can discover their creative potential and build upon their motor skills; they have space to form new social relationships; and by learning and refining new skills and through working with others, children build confidence and independence; all within a safe and secure environment.
Dance Ability project manager Louise Jardine says: “We’re very grateful to BBC Children in Need for this grant. Dance Ability classes are fun, lively and practical, and offer activities for children at a level that suits their needs. Participation in a regular group activity gives children the chance to form relationships, learn to trust and build self confidence, helping them to achieve at school and in life. Thanks to BBC Children in Need we can continue to provide free quality, after school activities which may counter some of the disadvantages facing families with disabled children.”
The funding will also allow Laban dance specialists to evaluate the programme more formally – widening industry knowledge of this field. This knowledge will help teachers, learning support assistants and community practitioners working with those with disabilities.
Laban’s Education and Community programme also runs Dance Venture, a progression route for young disabled and non-disabled dancers aged 12 – 19yrs.
For more information please see www.laban.org/home/education_community.phtml
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IMAGE ATTACHED LABAN DANCE ABILITY PARTICIPANT © BENEDICT JOHNSON
Please note for child safety reasons we cannot name the participant in the photograph
For press information, images or interview please contact Miranda Harris at mharris@trinitylaban.ac.uk or 020 8469 9549
9 October '09
A review of the 23 September postgraduate showcase at the Bonnie Bird theatre was recently published by londondance.com.
Read the review at http://www.londondance.com/reviews_details.asp?C=Laban+Graduate+School+Showcase&P=Mixed+Bill&V=Laban
9 July '09
Transitions Dance Company wins ‘Best International Production’ at Amsterdams’ ITs Festival
Transitions Dance Company overcame stiff competition to win the ITs Guest Award – given to the best international production at the ITs performing arts festival in Amsterdam. The award was presented to Transitions’ Amanda Gough by comedian Hans Teeuwen on June 27 at a ceremony in the Compagnietheater, Amsterdam. As part of its prize, Transitions will be invited to perform in the ACT Festival in Bilbao and/or SKENA UP in Prishtine, Kosovo.
The festival, in its 20th year, featured 70 productions by over 200 actors, dancers, singers and performing artists from around the world. Transitions performed Radix by Cheng Tsung-lung and It’s so good by Cristian Duarte.
The jury panel consisted of Daniella Groenberg (Theater Instituut Nederland), Arben Zharku (Artistic Director of the SKENA UP festival, Kosovo) and Fernando Montoya (Artistic Director of ACT festival, Bilbao).
The award was announced as the company travelled to Japan for eight days, as part of its 25 year anniversary tour.
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