Are you aged 14-21 yrs? Do you have a passion for the performing arts? Love writing and connecting to your network using social media? Love FREE tickets for shows and movies?

We are seeking Youth Ambassadors to help us promote our productions and performances to young audiences and communities.

For details contact mark.hooper@nullsouthhillpark.org.uk

Applications accepted all year round

LAMDA Grade 8 Acting (15-21yrs)

Join professional director and LAMDA tutor, Mark Hooper, to complete your LAMDA Grade 8 (Gold Award) in Acting. Mark is a first-class graduate from the University of Exeter (BA Drama) and has delivered LAMDA courses in acting and musical theatre for over four years with a 100% pass rate.

This nationally and internationally recognised qualification carries UCAS points which will aid you in university and drama school applications.

Working on monologues, you will learn the actors’ craft in the detail expected of university/drama school students. You will hone your performance technique, practical presentation skills and theoretical knowledge. Participants will also study a key theatre practitioner.

This course is suitable for those aged 15-21yrs. Consideration will be given to those aged 14yrs following a one-to-one audition. Examinations will be held at South Hill Park Arts Centre in early May 2020.

For more information please contact mark.hooper@nullsouthhillpark.org.uk

LAMDA Grade 8 will run over two terms on Mondays, 6.15pm – 9.15pm, from 23 September 2019 to 13 April 2020 at a cost of £550 (can be paid in two instalments).

Bilingua Sing – French 0-5 years

Kate Sleeman

Our multi award-winning music and language classes help develop your child’s early communication skills, build their confidence, and enhance their physical and emotional development. In the classes you’ll sing in English first, then the second language – meaning you don’t need to know any languages to join.

Accompanying adult free. 25% sibling discount

Monday Printmaking

for all levels of experience

Tutor: Artist in Residence Basia Gorska

For those who wish to pursue their own work in progress with guidance and feedback or explore different techniques with our artist in residence.

Please note that once this course has begun bookings can only be taken at the box office or by calling 01344 484123.

Get Confident with Oils

Tutor: Melanie Paice

Suitable for beginners

Explore materials and techniques in a relaxed and creative environment to enable you to have fun and produce confident paintings.

Get Confident in Oils – Materials List

Make a Quilt

Simone McGee

Learn how to make a quilt using traditional patchwork designs such as tumbling blocks, grandmother’s
fan and log cabin.

Jewellery & Silversmithing – Monday Morning

Artist in Residence Jessica Noble

Students will learn a variety of metalworking skills and processes enabling them to design and make their own jewellery and silverware.

Bilingua Sing – Spanish 0–5yrs

Kate Sleeman

Our multi award-winning music and language classes help develop your child’s early communication skills, build their confidence, and enhance their physical and emotional development. In the classes you’ll sing in English first, then the second language – meaning you don’t need to know any languages to join.

Accompanying adult free. 25% sibling discount

Make a Quilt – PM

Simone McGee

Learn how to make a quilt using traditional patchwork designs such as tumbling blocks, grandmother’s
fan and log cabin.

Further Fun with Oils

Melanie Paice

Develop your skills and improve your oil painting further, including two sessions with a life model.

Get Confident in Oils – Materials List

Jewellery & Silversmithing – Monday Afternoon

Jessica Noble

Students will learn a variety of metalworking skills and processes enabling them to design and make
their own jewellery and silverware.

One-to-one Piano

Elliot Harrison

This course provides personalised sessions tailored to suit your needs, from novices to those with more experience.

30-minute sessions

Drawing & Painting – Advanced

Caroline Crawford

Inspiring sessions, with expert tuition, aimed at returning students wishing to improve their drawing and painting skills. Students will work on set projects covering a variety of subjects and materials.

Please click the link for a materials list

Please note that once this course has begun bookings can only be taken at the Box Office or by calling 01344 484123.

Tutor: Russell Turner

Wilde About Arts explores various elements of the visual arts on a termly basis.

Each term, the class will work together on new projects. Team work, togetherness, creativity and expression will be at the heart of this class.

No previous art experience is required.

FREE for young people who need art as a creative outlet.

For registration contact mark.hooper@nullsouthhillpark.org.uk

Beginners Piano

Elliot Harrison

Learn the basics of the piano on keyboard in this simple-to-follow course.

Ballet – Beginners

Tutor: Chloe Collins

Ballet classes for absolute beginners who are looking to learn the fundamentals in ballet.

A fortnightly course designed as a training programme for aspiring producers. The course covers events planning, marketing, budgeting and project management as the group takes on the running of South Hill Park’s established children’s arts festival, Wilde Week.

There will also be the opportunity to programme several films into South Hill Park’s cinema line-up, and promote them to teens and young adults, as part of the Young Programmers group.

The course is free and requires no prior experience – just a passion for the arts.

Please email fran.hems@nullsouthhillpark.org.uk to book your place.

Led by Fran Hems with various tutors

Stained Glass – Monday Evenings

Caroline Loveys

Explore the exciting craft of stained glass under expert tuition. You will learn the techniques required to create your own panels or 3D pieces. No experience necessary.

Jewellery & Silversmithing – Monday Evening

Jessica Noble

Students will learn a variety of metalworking skills and processes enabling them to design and make their own jewellery and silverware.

Ceramics Regulars

Carole Thompson

This course is perfect for those who want to explore ceramics. Carole will guide you through
different techniques to produce individual pieces.

Italic Calligraphy

Learn traditional calligraphy with step-by-step tuition covering tools and techniques, including
basic flourishing. Price includes basic materials.

Ballet – Elementary

Tutor: Chloe Collins

Ballet classes for students who are looking to progress their technique at a comfortable speed.

Ballet – Advanced

Tutor: Chloe Collins

Ballet classes for experienced dancers with a background in ballet.

Pilates Matwork – 9:40am

Amanda Gibson

Practise gentle, controlled movement patterns with breathing and core control. Increase your body’s strength and flexibility and relax your tight, over-worked muscles.

Jewellery & Silversmithing – Tuesday Morning

Artist in Residence Fenella Watson

Students will learn a variety of metalworking skills and processes enabling them to design and make their own jewellery and silverware.

Life Drawing  – Intermediate/Advanced

Mick McNicholas

Working from professional life models, develop your skills through exploration and experimentation with various mediums.

Ceramics – Beginners & Improvers

Artist in Residence Karen Marks

This course is for students to experiment and develop their technique to help them create
individual ceramic pieces.

No class on Tue 4 Feb, moved to Tue 18 Feb

Pilates Matwork – 11am

Amanda Gibson

Practise gentle, controlled movement patterns with breathing and core control. Increase your body’s strength and flexibility and relax your tight, over-worked muscles.

Tai Chi – Chen Style – Tuesday

Tutor: Steve Large

A martial art, designed to help improve your general health and enjoyment through soft flowing exercises and sequences breathing, meditation and visualisation.

Please note that once this course has begun bookings can only be taken at the box office or by calling 01344 484123.

Stained Glass – Tuesday Afternoon

Explore the exciting craft of stained glass under expert tuition. You will learn the techniques required to create your own panels or 3D pieces. No experience necessary.

Portrait Drawing & Oil Painting – Intermediate/Advanced

Mick McNicholas

Working from professional portrait models, explore a variety of observational drawing techniques investigating line, tone and texture.

Materials List – Portrait Drawing & Oil Painting

Street Dance Energy Juniors 8-16 years

Alan Cunningham

Locking, breaking, body popping and some smooth footwork will be covered in this high-energy course

Alison Horriben

Sessions between 4 & 10pm

30-minute sessions, suitable for all.

A great class for beginners. Learn the fundamentals of singing and techniques to improve your voice. Grow in confidence and learn to sing your favourite songs.

All ages (11yrs+) welcome.

Tuesday Printmaking

for all levels of experience

Tutor: Artist in Residence Basia Gorska

For those who wish to pursue their own work in progress with guidance and feedback or explore different techniques with our artist in residence.

Please note that once this course has begun bookings can only be taken at the box office or by calling 01344 484123.

Let’s Dance

Tutor: Auriole Wells 

Suitable for All

A course for fun and fitness aimed at anyone who wants to get moving. Learn a bit of technique and some enjoyable routines. For further information and booking, contact wellsauriole@nullmsn.com

Jewellery & Silversmithing – Tuesday Evening

Artist in Residence Fenella Watson

Students will learn a variety of metalworking skills and processes enabling them to design and make their own jewellery and silverware.

Drawing & Painting – Intermediate

Caroline Crawford

Inspiring sessions, with expert tuition, aimed at new students. Students will work on set projects and will have the opportunity to experiment with a variety of subjects and materials over the term with lots of guidance.

Please click the link for a materials list

Just Jhoom – The Bollywood Workout!

Tutor: Alexandra Stocker

Inspired by the glitz and the glamour of Bollywood films, Just Jhoom! is the first and only accredited Bollywood dance-fitness programme in the UK.

Please note that once this course has begun bookings can only be taken at the box office or by calling 01344 484123.

Sculpting in Clay

Tutor: Carole Thompson

Carole will help you create a range of decorative sculptures using a variety to techniques and finishes. This course is for all abilities.

A small charge will be made for completed and fired work.

Please note that once this course has begun bookings can only be taken at the box office or by calling 01344 484123.

Jewellery & Silversmithing – Wednesday Morning

Artist in Residence Fenella Watson

Students will learn a variety of metalworking skills and processes enabling them to design and make their own jewellery and silverware.

Wednesday Printmaking

for all levels of experience

Tutor: Artist in Residence Basia Gorska

For those who wish to pursue their own work in progress with guidance and feedback or explore different techniques with our artist in residence.

Please note that once this course has begun bookings can only be taken at the box office or by calling 01344 484123.

Stained Glass – Wednesday Morning

Explore the exciting craft of stained glass under expert tuition. You will learn the techniques required to
create your own panels or 3D pieces. No experience necessary.

Piano Mixed Ability

Tutor: Juliet Bruce

An hour-long class taught in a group of 4 with 15-minute sessions on the piano per participant. Emphasis on enjoyment.

Please contact Juliet Bruce on juliet.bruce@nullymail.com before enrolling to discuss your needs for this course.

Please note that once this course has begun bookings can only be taken at the box office or by calling 01344 484123.

Stained Glass – Wednesday Afternoon

Explore the exciting craft of stained glass under expert tuition. You will learn the techniques required to
create your own panels or 3D pieces. No experience necessary.

The Wilde Theatre School

Wilde Wannabies 6-10yrs

Creative. Energetic. Fun.

South Hill Park’s Wilde Wannabies is an exciting and high-energy session for young people aged between 6 and 10. It doesn’t matter if your child is a seasoned performer or is trying drama for the very first time; this class is for everyone. Our friendly and experienced facilitators are there every step of the way to cultivate creative adventures for each individual. The Wilde Wannabies always work towards an end of term performance, during this time students will grow in confidence, learn key performative skills and work as a team to produce something special to show friends and family on the last day.

We normally split sessions into two parts. The first half we spend playing energetic and creative drama games and the second half of the session is spent rehearsing our end of term show and learning about basic theatrical techniques.

With schools cutting back on their drama offerings as part of the new curriculum, it has never been more important to ensure your child has the opportunity  to explore their imagination fully.

Get the most from your youth theatre booking. Did you know that as a member of youth theatre, students are entitled to £5 tickets to see many shows staged at South Hill Park? Students also entitled to one free one-to-one session per term to help them prepare for any upcoming auditions they may have at school or in the industry.

Parents of under 16s must complete a registration form on behalf of their child, and all under 12s on a course or workshop must be dropped off/picked up by a parent/ guardian. Please note, course tutors are subject to change. South Hill Park are approved and recommended by KalliKids.com – a sign of value and quality. 

Please note that once this course has begun bookings can only be taken at the box office or by calling 01344 484123.

The Wilde Theatre School

Wilde Ways 11-14yrs

Creative. Collaborative. Expressive.

South Hill Park’s Wilde Ways is a unique youth theatre experience, working with two experienced and knowledgeable theatre practitioners, the group choose at the start of the term to either make a piece from scratch (devised theatre) or work on a published play text. In this class, students will learn key industry skills and not just acting technique and terminology but how to work as a team to generate exciting and compelling theatre.

These sessions are fun and fast-paced and are perfect for students who are thinking of taking or currently studying a GCSE or B-TECH programme in a performing arts subject or for students with an interest in drama.

Sessions are often split into three parts, games to get us warmed up, drama exercises to explore new ways of working and rehearsal.

Get the most from your youth theatre booking. Did you know that as a member of youth theatre students are entitled to £5 tickets to see many shows staged at South Hill Park? Students also entitled to one free one-to-one session per term to help them prepare for any upcoming auditions they may have at school or in the industry.

Parents of under 16s must complete a registration form on behalf of their child, and all under 12s on a course or workshop must be dropped off/picked up by a parent/ guardian. Please note, course tutors are subject to change. South Hill Park are approved and recommended by KalliKids.com – a sign of value and quality. 

Please note that once this course has begun bookings can only be taken at the box office or by calling 01344 484123.

Tap for Beginners

Tutor: Amanda Bishop

Tap is the original jazz dance and anyone, at any age can start tapping. Amanda has 45 years teaching experience and has worked in the West End on shows such as Billy Elliott and 42nd Street. To help dancers find the correct tempo, the class features live piano music – one of the only tap courses in the  country to still do so. Tap or hard-soled shoes are required.

Please note that once this course has begun bookings can only be taken at the box office or by calling 01344 484123.

Jewellery & Silversmithing – Wednesday Evening

Artist in Residence Fenella Watson

Students will learn a variety of metalworking skills and processes enabling them to design and make
their own jewellery and silverware.

Gamelan Ensemble Music

Simon Cook

Following a remarkable gift of Gamelan instruments from the Government of The Republic of Indonesia, you can learn to play this ancient and beautiful ensemble of percussive instruments.

Conversational French

Tutor: Lisa Dullingham

Grasp the beautiful French language and begin to speak confidently in conversation. Our experienced tutor will guide
you every step of the way with interactive group work and plenty of practical examples.

Tap for Intermediates

Tutor: Amanda Bishop

Tap is the original jazz dance and anyone, at any age can start tapping. Amanda has 45 years teaching experience and has worked in the West End on shows such as Billy Elliott and 42nd Street. To help dancers find the correct tempo, the class features live piano music – one of the only tap courses in the  country to still do so. Tap or hard-soled shoes are required.

Please note that once this course has begun bookings can only be taken at the box office or by calling 01344 484123.

Life Drawing  – Beginners/Intermediate

Mick McNicholas

Working from professional life models, develop your skills through exploration and experimentation with various mediums.

No class on Wed 18 Mar; moved to Wed 1 Apr

Drop Stitch

Sandra Welfare

Every third Wednesday of the month

Suitable for all

Drop Stitch sessions are FREE and new members are welcome. Advanced knitters in the group will be available to help with knitting problems. Please contact Sandra Welfare on 07825 874203 for further information.

Yoga – Wednesday

Tutor: Gabriella Rees

Relaxation, stress relief, an improved posture and muscle tone as well as a healthy mind and body are all benefits of a regular yoga class.

Please note that once this course has begun bookings can only be taken at the box office or by calling 01344 484123.

Jewellery & Silversmithing Open Access – Morning

Mel Goodbun

Untutored sessions for experienced jewellers and silversmiths. Please call our studio on 01344 416238
to discuss eligiblility.

Jewellery & Silversmithing Open Access – Afternoon

Mel Goodbun

Untutored sessions for experienced jewellers and silversmiths. Please call our studio on 01344 416238
to discuss eligiblility.

Classical/Contemporary Dance

Tutor: Di Ruddick

This class includes ballet and contemporary dance techniques; it is a strength building dance class with a difference. Opportunity to do festival performance work.

Please note that once this course has begun bookings can only be taken at the box office or by calling 01344 484123.

Wilde Ballet 4-5 years

Alex Stocker 

The perfect class for budding ballet dancers. Our friendly and warm tutor Alex will gently guide students through the IDTA syllabus.

No experience necessary.

Drawing & Painting – Intermediate

Caroline Crawford

Inspiring sessions, with expert tuition, aimed at returning students wishing to improve their drawing and painting skills. Students will work on set projects covering a variety of subjects and materials.

Please click the link for a materials list

Please note that once this course has begun bookings can only be taken at the Box Office or by calling 01344 484123.

Wilde Ballet 6-7 years

Alex Stocker

The perfect class for budding ballet dancers. Our friendly and warm tutor Alex will gently guide students through the IDTA syllabus.

No experience necessary.

Contemporary Dance for Beginners

Tutor: NOCTURN (John Darvell)

Beginners Contemporary for the total novice, if you’re just returning to dance and for anyone with ‘two left feet’.

Want a sociable way to keep fit? Have fun and improve your health while learning the core skills and styles of contemporary dance in this friendly class suitable for total beginners.

Come alone or with friends. Our classes are about encouragement, positivity and fun, all delivered in a calm friendly approach by expert workshop leaders from NOCTURN.

JOINT CLASS DEAL! When booking the Contemporary Dance course and ILLUME Adult Performance Group together save 30% on the second course.

Please note that once this course has begun bookings can only be taken at the box office or by calling 01344 484123.

…see for yourself, watch our video…

We often get asked ‘what can I expect to happen when I come to class?‘ so we made a trailer so you can see, at https://vimeo.com/80659260

For more information visit www.nocturndance.co.uk or contact the office at help@nullnocturndance.co.uk

About NOCTURN

NOCTURN creates and produces the work of John Darvell, exploring experimental contemporary narrative performances drawing on topical social issues.

NOCTURN’s cutting edge blend of dance, accessible technology and interactive events, engages audiences in experiences they might encounter accidentally. We take risks in order to create new ways to bring dance to a wide audience.

John Darvell is a gay man from a working class background in the North East. Throughout childhood he endured the harshness of school bullying and despite his potential only scrapped through education.  Escaping to London in 1987 he started a career path that led him not into the arts but the civil service. He spent much of his early career conforming rather than pursuing his passion to dance and make art.

John’s professional journey into dance began in his late 30’s after taking the courageous risk at 37 to retrain in contemporary dance, leaving the security of day-to-day office work. He has spent the last 10 years forging a remarkable approach to creating and choreographing work, bringing a strong aesthetic from his years as a visual designer. With a thirst for challenging what is deemed normal or traditional, he brings his humour, talent and determined creative spark to any project. His story is an inspiration for anyone coming to dance later in life.

After graduating from Laban in 2007 and initiating NOCTURN he has focused on creating accessible digital dance work and immersive online events, utilising social media to engage audiences. His programme of community outreach work is renowned for inspiring and engaging both young and adult dancers. His desire to overcome barriers in whatever form they may be is the key focus for the company.

John has written articles for People Dancing, the National Dance Teachers Association, and his educational work has featured in publications such as Kidscape – ‘How to create kind schools’ alongside contributions from Dance United and 2Faced Dance. He was on the Board of the now disbanded National Dance Teachers Association. A regular teacher at the industry event MOVEIT hosted in London each year.

A successful applicant for the Clore Leadership Programme Intensive (Short Course) a pioneering initiative to develop and strengthen leadership across cultural and creative sectors in the UK. John is excited about the opportunities that this training has given him to expand the work of the company.

He has often been a guest on BBC Berkshire and Oxfordshire radio.

FOLLOW US:

nocturndance.co.uk

www.facebook/nocturndance

@nocturndance

Yoga – Thursday

Tutor: Gabriella Rees

Relaxation, stress relief, an improved posture and muscle tone as well as a healthy mind and body are all benefits of a regular yoga class.

Please note that once this course has begun bookings can only be taken at the box office or by calling 01344 484123.

Printmaking for Beginners Thurs

Tutor: Artist in Residence – Heather Upton

Learn basic monotype, relief, intaglio and etching techniques to create your own unique prints. You will familiarise yourself with the printmaking equipment and tools and how to use them safely and effectively.

Please contact Heather on 07971 757356 to discuss suitability of this course before booking for the first time.

Please note that once this course has begun bookings can only be taken at the box office or by calling 01344 484123.

Drawing & Painting – Intermediate

Caroline Crawford

Inspiring sessions, with expert tuition, aimed at returning students wishing to improve their drawing and painting skills. Students will work on set projects covering a variety of subjects and materials.

Please click the link for a materials list

Please note that once this course has begun bookings can only be taken at the Box Office or by calling 01344 484123.

Ceramics – Improvers & Advanced

Artist in Residence Karen Marks

This course is for students to experiment and develop their technique to help them create individual ceramic pieces.

No class on Thu 20 Feb, moved to Thu 20 Feb

Jewellery & Silversmithing – Thursday

Jessica Noble

Students will learn a variety of metalworking skills and processes enabling them to design and make their own jewellery and silverware.

Contemporary Dance for Improvers

Tutor: NOCTURN (John Darvell)

Intermediate & Advanced for adult improvers and those that have danced before.

A faster paced class for those who have a strong technical ability and want to challenge themselves.

This class is a great way to develop the core skills and styles of contemporary dance which will include floor work, centre and travelling exercises and ultimately build towards short routines.

Come alone or with friends. Our classes are about encouragement, positivity and fun, all delivered in a calm friendly approach by expert workshop leaders from NOCTURN.

JOINT CLASS DEAL! When booking the Contemporary Dance course and ILLUME Performance Group together save 30% on the second course.

Please note that once this course has begun bookings can only be taken at the box office or by calling 01344 484123.

…see for yourself, watch our video…

We often get asked ‘what can I expect to happen when I come to class?‘ so we made a trailer so you can see at https://vimeo.com/80659260

For more information visit www.nocturndance.co.uk or contact the office at info@nullnocturndance.co.uk

About NOCTURN

NOCTURN creates and produces the work of John Darvell, exploring experimental contemporary narrative performances drawing on topical social issues.

NOCTURN’s cutting edge blend of dance, accessible technology and interactive events, engages audiences in experiences they might encounter accidentally. We take risks in order to create new ways to bring dance to a wide audience.

John Darvell is a gay man from a working class background in the North East. Throughout childhood he endured the harshness of school bullying and despite his potential only scrapped through education.  Escaping to London in 1987 he started a career path that led him not into the arts but the civil service. He spent much of his early career conforming rather than pursuing his passion to dance and make art.

John’s professional journey into dance began in his late 30’s after taking the courageous risk at 37 to retrain in contemporary dance, leaving the security of day-to-day office work. He has spent the last 10 years forging a remarkable approach to creating and choreographing work, bringing a strong aesthetic from his years as a visual designer. With a thirst for challenging what is deemed normal or traditional, he brings his humour, talent and determined creative spark to any project. His story is an inspiration for anyone coming to dance later in life.

After graduating from Laban in 2007 and initiating NOCTURN he has focused on creating accessible digital dance work and immersive online events, utilising social media to engage audiences. His programme of community outreach work is renowned for inspiring and engaging both young and adult dancers. His desire to overcome barriers in whatever form they may be is the key focus for the company.

John has written articles for People Dancing, the National Dance Teachers Association, and his educational work has featured in publications such as Kidscape – ‘How to create kind schools’ alongside contributions from Dance United and 2Faced Dance. He was on the Board of the now disbanded National Dance Teachers Association. A regular teacher at the industry event MOVEIT hosted in London each year.

A successful applicant for the Clore Leadership Programme Intensive (Short Course) a pioneering initiative to develop and strengthen leadership across cultural and creative sectors in the UK. John is excited about the opportunities that this training has given him to expand the work of the company.

He has often been a guest on BBC Berkshire and Oxfordshire radio.

FOLLOW US:
@nocturndance
nocturndance.co.uk
www.facebook/nocturndance

ILLUME Adult Performance Group

Tutor: NOCTURN (John Darvell)

Want to be part of a performance group?

Fancy that extra challenge and get to perform?

The Choreographic Group is for anyone with a sound technical ability who wishes to further develop his or her performance skills and be part of the creative process. We believe in the transformative power and impact of contemporary dance.

The group regularly has opportunities to perform at platforms across the Thames Valley. Life experience is a positive attribute: we draw on our collective years to enhance our work.

We recommend that people attend one of the earlier technique classes as content from these is used to create work.

Please note, as this is working towards performances, regular attendance is required.

Under the artistic guidance of John Darvell, our self-governing group strive, push and challenge each other to create and perform work of excellence. Formed in 2010, we have gained a reputation across the South East for delivering high quality dance performances, influenced by the work of NOCTURN but with our own style, while still celebrating our diverse nature.

JOINT CLASS DEAL! When booking the Contemporary Dance course and the ILLUME Adult Performance Group  together save 30% on the second course.

Please note that once this course has begun bookings can only be taken at the box office or by calling 01344 484123.

…see for yourself, watch our video…

We often get asked ‘what can I expect to happen when I come to class?‘ so we made a trailer so you can see at https://vimeo.com/80659260

See one of the company’s last performances, at https://vimeo.com/277113123

For more information visit www.nocturndance.co.uk or contact the office at info@nullnocturndance.co.uk

About NOCTURN

NOCTURN creates and produces the work of John Darvell, exploring experimental contemporary narrative performances drawing on topical social issues.

NOCTURN’s cutting edge blend of dance, accessible technology and interactive events, engages audiences in experiences they might encounter accidentally. We take risks in order to create new ways to bring dance to a wide audience.

John Darvell is a gay man from a working class background in the North East. Throughout childhood he endured the harshness of school bullying and despite his potential only scrapped through education.  Escaping to London in 1987 he started a career path that led him not into the arts but the civil service. He spent much of his early career conforming rather than pursuing his passion to dance and make art.

John’s professional journey into dance began in his late 30’s after taking the courageous risk at 37 to retrain in contemporary dance, leaving the security of day-to-day office work. He has spent the last 10 years forging a remarkable approach to creating and choreographing work, bringing a strong aesthetic from his years as a visual designer. With a thirst for challenging what is deemed normal or traditional, he brings his humour, talent and determined creative spark to any project. His story is an inspiration for anyone coming to dance later in life.

After graduating from Laban in 2007 and initiating NOCTURN he has focused on creating accessible digital dance work and immersive online events, utilising social media to engage audiences. His programme of community outreach work is renowned for inspiring and engaging both young and adult dancers. His desire to overcome barriers in whatever form they may be is the key focus for the company.

John has written articles for People Dancing, the National Dance Teachers Association, and his educational work has featured in publications such as Kidscape – ‘How to create kind schools’ alongside contributions from Dance United and 2Faced Dance. He was on the Board of the now disbanded National Dance Teachers Association. A regular teacher at the industry event MOVEIT hosted in London each year.

A successful applicant for the Clore Leadership Programme Intensive (Short Course) a pioneering initiative to develop and strengthen leadership across cultural and creative sectors in the UK. John is excited about the opportunities that this training has given him to expand the work of the company.

He has often been a guest on BBC Berkshire and Oxfordshire radio.

FOLLOW US:

nocturndance.co.uk

www.facebook/nocturndance

@nocturndance

Crocheting for Beginners

Learn crochet techniques, including reading a pattern, granny squares, 3D Items and fancy stitches. No
experience necessary for beginners. Materials provided.

Life Drawing  – Beginners/Intermediate

Mick McNicholas

Working from professional life models, develop your skills through exploration and experimentation with various mediums.

Stained Glass – Friday Morning

Explore the exciting craft of stained glass under expert tuition. You will learn the techniques required to
create your own panels or 3D pieces. No experience necessary.

Printmaking – Improvers/Advanced

Tutor: Artist in Residence – Heather Upton

Suitable for intermediate to advanced students, this course offers an opportunity to explore print processes in greater depth. It will also give the more advanced student the chance to pursue their own work with artistic and technical feedback from our expert tutor.

Certain materials such as printmaking paper are not included but can be purchased from the studio. A small charge will be made for completed and fired work.

Please contact Heather on 07971 757356 to discuss suitability of this course before booking for the first time.

Please note that once this course has begun bookings can only be taken at the box office or by calling 01344 484123.

Over 50s Strictly Dance

Tutor: Di Ruddick

A great combination of non-partner dance styles ranging from Latin and Salsa, to soft shoe, cabaret and more. An opportunity to improve fitness, develop flexibility, have fun in a relaxed environment and meet new friends.