We are delighted to announce that two recent NSCD graduates, Heather Walrond and Jamaal Burkmar, have been awarded The Marie McCluskey ‘Dance Makers’ Fund. Initially Swindon Dance intended to award only one bursary, but competition from applicants was so high that they decided to award two.

The fund will provide both Heather and Jamaal with a supported commission during 2017-18. In addition to the £1,000 funding the offer included: use of rehearsal space at Swindon Dance for up to 3-weeks; a mentoring opportunity with Marie McCluskey; and a performance date at Swindon Dance to promote work.

After graduating from NSCD Heather worked with Fijan dance company Vou Dance Company. She then returned to the UK to develop her ideas based on Fijian dance influences and carry out informal previews in London and Plymouth. After receiving development funding Heather invited the Fijian company to Plymouth for a week’s residency. She then secured 7 UK tour dates, as well as an international performance at HIFA International Arts Festival, Zimbabwe.

Jamaal Burkmar also trained at NSCD and enjoyed great success with his first piece of work, Ocean. During his final year Ocean was reworked on VERVE, the postgraduate performance company of NSCD. This commission marked the first time an undergraduate had been given the opportunity to work with the company and led to Ocean touring across the UK and Europe.

Jamaal was awarded the Matthew Bourne – New Adventures Choreography Award 2015-16 and in 2017 was the recipient of the inaugural Dance Xchange Choreographic Award. He is currently the choreographer on ‘Theatre Rites’latest site specific project for the Manchester International Festival in July 2017.

We wish them both the best of luck with their commissions!

If you’ve heard some good news about an NSCD student or alumni, please contact us on hello@nscd.ac.uk