CATAPULT is a professional development programme aimed at supporting an emerging dance maker or collective, based in Yorkshire. Funded by the Lankelly Chase Foundation from 2012-2015, and initiated by Northern School of Contemporary Dance (NSCD); the programme is managed by Spin Arts. The purpose is to support the creative practice and strategic development of the recipient for a one year period, helping to launch a career. We’re delighted to announce that even though our Lankelly Chase Foundation funding has come to end we have been able to offer a mini-Catapult opportunity for six months.
Over the course of the three year programme we interviewed many worthy candidates but one of those remained present in our minds and we felt was worthy of this one-off support. Crystal Zillwood is originally from Devon but moved to Leeds to train at NSCD where she achieved a BPA Hons in Contemporary dance (majoring in Movement Studies) and continued at NSCD as a member of the postgraduate dance company, “Verve ’13”, touring the UK and Switzerland with commissioned pieces by Ben Wright, Frauke Requardt, Angus Balbernie and James Wilton.
After graduating with Distinction, Crystal has worked with various choreographers and companies including Liz Roche, New Art Club, Ben Wright, Gary Clarke, Theo Clinkard and Stephanie Singer where she is part of the “Bittersuite” project.
Crystal has recently been touring her solo piece ‘Evolutio’ in Spain ,Ireland and across the UK.
The CATAPULT programme entitles Crystal to:
• Artistic and production support, including rehearsal space, and opportunities to present and receive feedback on new work/work-in-progress
• Business advice, mentoring and management services from all the partner organisations, including fundraising and marketing support, networking and shadowing opportunities
Crystal says: I’m thrilled and honoured to be selected for this programme. Catapault is a invaluable opportunity for any emerging choreographer, I am really excited to be given this opportunity to gain further invaluable knowledge and experience through the scheme. I know the support and guidance that it will offer will enable me to develop the practical skills I will need in order to open up my work to new audiences in new and different spaces.
Janet Smith, NSCD Principal says: “Leeds is on the brink of becoming the UK’s major centre for dance outside of London. The city is home to a wonderfully diverse range of organisations and freelance artists, all passionate about dance and with a strong spirit of collaboration. For the city’s dance scene to really thrive, it’s essential that we create opportunities for artists to live and work here; retain the best of our talent and attract new creative influences. Catapult helps achieve these goals, and brings together significant dance organisations in the city, committed to working together to develop Leeds as an international centre for dance. We are very grateful to Lankelly Chase for their support.”
If you’re interested in hearing more about Crystal’s work please get in touch with: sarah@spin-arts.com.
CATAPULT is designed specifically for those who have graduated from a dance programme/ degree within the last two years, and are living and/or working in the north. Applications for the programme are currently closed as our funding has come to an end. We are hoping to re-open late 2016. These will be promoted on www.nscd.ac.uk.
