Leeds Civic Trust Honours NSCD Founding Principal Nadine Senior MBE with Blue Plaque

NSCD proudly celebrated the legacy of founding principal, Nadine Senior MBE, with the unveiling of a blue plaque in her honour.

Organised by Leeds Civic Trust, the event marked a significant milestone as the 200th blue plaque unveiled by the Trust.  It commemorates Nadine’s profound impact on dance education and her lasting contributions to the cultural landscape of Leeds and beyond.

The blue plaque, now permanently displayed here at NSCD, serves as a lasting tribute to Senior’s pioneering efforts in transforming dance education. As the founding principal of NSCD, Nadine laid the foundation for the school in 1985, following her ground-breaking work as a teacher at Harehills Middle School. Her vision of making high-quality dance training accessible to all revolutionised the way dance was taught and experienced. Many of her former students, including the founding members of Phoenix Dance Theatre, have gone on to achieve national and international success, a testament to her influence and dedication.

Sharon Watson MBE DL, the current CEO and Principal of NSCD and a former student of Senior, spoke at the unveiling. Watson remarked:

“Nadine Senior was not only a teacher but a trailblazer; a remarkable individual and pioneering force in dance education.  She dedicated her life to inspiring young dancers and reshaping the landscape of training. Her impact is reflected in the countless artists she nurtured.

As we unveil this blue plaque in her honour— on what would have been her 85^th birthday, we celebrate her legacy.  This tribute is not only a celebration of Nadine’s achievements but a reminder of the transformative power of dance and education. Nadine had an extraordinary ability to unlock the potential in every student, and her vision continues to inspire everything we do at NSCD.”

The event drew attendees from across the dance and arts community, as well as former students and colleagues of Senior, who gathered to pay tribute to the teacher who shaped so many lives. Attendees and speakers included: Nadine’s son Gareth Senior, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung - the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Darren Henley CBE – CEO of Arts Council England, Fabian Hamilton MP for Leeds North East, artist Khadijah Ibrahim, former colleague Alison Beckett, Andrew Hurst MBE - CEO of One Dance UK, artist Gary Clarke and Peter Massey - Director, North - Arts Council England.

The event also included a performance by nine students on the final year BA (Hons) Contemporary Dance programmed who performed New Work by Amaury Lebrun.  The blue plaque unveiling was followed by a special photographic exhibition and a slideshow celebrating Nadine’s life and work.

Martin Hamilton, Director of Leeds Civic Trust, emphasised the significance of this tribute:

"It is entirely fitting that our 200th blue plaque honours someone whose influence continues to shape the artistic landscape of Leeds. Nadine Senior’s work not only fostered talent but championed equality and opportunity through the arts."

Nadine Senior’s legacy is far-reaching, with NSCD continuing to be a leader in contemporary dance education and is the only conservatoire for professional dance training outside of London.

The School remains committed to Nadine’s vision of making dance accessible to all, offering professional-level training and engagement opportunities for people of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities. Through its graduates including Akram Kahn, Gail Parmel CBE, Gary Clarke and Alleyne Dance, NSCD has helped shape the future of contemporary dance on both national and international stages.

Today’s event not only commemorated the life of a remarkable educator but also celebrated the thriving dance community that Senior helped build. As NSCD continues to train the next generation of dancers, the plaque serves as a reminder of the school's roots and the values that continue to guide its work.

Nadine's legacy also lives on with the Nadine Senior Legacy Fund at NSCD which supports future generations of talented young individuals to access dance education of the highest quality, regardless of personal circumstance.