Sharon Watson MBE DL, Principal and CEO of Northern School of Contemporary of Dance, and Tracy Witney, Head of Learning & Participation, are among 384 remarkable women in Leeds to be featured in Ribbons, a new, permanent public sculpture celebrating the contributions of women, both past and present, to the city.
Also included in this list of game-changing women is our Founding Principal Nadine Senior MBE who sadly passed away eight years ago. Nadine founded NSCD in 1985 and her passion and spirit remain a driving force here at NSCD.
Sharon and Tracy are both honoured to stand among such inspirational women as social reformer and suffragist Isabella Ford, former Olympics boxer Nicola Adams OBE and Gertrude Paul, founder of the Leeds West Indian Carnival. The sculpture also recognises the tireless efforts of individuals like Tina Suryavansi who oversees Homeless Hampers and Rebekah Wilson who founded the charity Zarach to combat child poverty.
Created by artist Pippa Hale, Ribbons is a chance to honour inspiring women from all walks of life and celebrate the achievements of the many women who have made Leeds the wonderful city it is today. Ribbons will be installed at Quarry Hill in July. Pippa says:
"Ribbons is a massive thank you to all of them whose love, friendship, commitment, passion and dedication impact our lives every day. Reading through the nominations, I have been humbled by their stories and moved by their incredible journeys: from women who have broken glass ceilings and overcome cultural, social, economic and physical barriers to rise to the top of their professions, to those who fly beneath the radar and whose contribution is neither seen nor recognised publicly.”
Sharon’s recognition is testament to her continued passion and drive to contribute to local and national creative industries through the medium of dance and her commitment to improving diversity within the arts. Sharon commented:
“It is great to see Nadine recognised – she was instrumental in putting dance on the map of Leeds and changing lives with the outstanding work she delivered in education and belief that every child can fulfil their potential, creatively or otherwise.”
“From my personal perspective, Leeds is more than just where I live – it’s my workplace, my community and the beating heart of my life. I am delighted to represent this wonderful city’s spirit and vibrant culture. To have the privilege of representing our vibrant arts community with such an accolade is truly humbling.”
Tracy Witney, Head of Learning & Participation at NSCD, is a passionate advocate for dance and holds roles across a number of networks on a local and national level that support and develop community and prevocational dance. Tracy said:
“I’m incredibly honoured to be included in Ribbons; the sheer diversity of all these womens’ stories is testament to the impact women have had on all aspects of life in Leeds. I hope it will serve as a lasting monument to their legacies and as an inspiration for everyone, especially women and girls, in the future.”
It is also wonderful to note the inclusion of women with connections to Northern School of Contemporary Dance on the list;
Corinne Bailey Rae – Singer song-writer
Keranjeet Kaur Virdee – Chief Executive and Artistic Director for South Asian Arts UK
Philippa Lester - Teacher and author
Christella Litras – Musical Director, composer and musical mentor
Heather Nelson – Chief Executive of Black Health Initiative
Hannah Robertshaw – Programmes Director at Yorkshire Dance
Diane Saunders - Teacher and author
Kully Thiarai – CEO and Creative Director Leeds 2023
Jude Vidal – Photojournalist
Sketches showing what Pippa Hales's new Ribbons sculpture will look like when it is sited in Quarry Hill in July
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