urdang academy prospectus

URDANG
ACADEMY
PROSPECTUS
www.theurdangacademy.com
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The Diploma in Professional
Musical Theatre or Dance
Validated by Trinity College London
The Urdang Performers’ Diploma encompasses all aspects of the
performing arts to give each student an excellent grounding in Singing,
Dancing and Acting, alongside developing charisma, individuality and
performance skill.
The Urdang Academy provides a supportive environment that fosters artistic, intellectual
and personal development with all its students. The intense, rigorous and practical training
is enhanced by contextual study that allows the student to understand historical, stylistic
and professional aspects of the industry. This holistic approach prepares each student to
embark on a successful and fulfilled life in the arts, with the ability to develop a long and
varied career.
Year 1
Students join Urdang with a wide range of experience. Therefore the first year is designed to
consolidate and strengthen understanding of technique and develop awareness of the level
of work required for the course. Selected dance and musical theatre classes are streamed to
ensure students develop a clear understanding of technique and progress at the appropriate
pace.
Dance: Ballet, Technical Jazz, Musical Theatre, Jazz, Contemporary, Street, Tap, Conditioning
and Pilates
Musical Theatre: Singing Technique, Acting, Acting through Song, Voice, Accent, Articulation,
Alexander Technique and Integrated Performance
Contextual Studies: Healthier Performer, Music Theory, History of Dance and History of
Musical Theatre
Year 2
In Year 2 the Diploma programme is split into four ‘tracks’ specialising in aspects of musical
theatre and dance. After careful monitoring of strengths demonstrated during Year 1,
students will be placed in the track appropriate to their career potential. These tailor-made
tracks will allow students to develop their individuality; the following pages describe these in
more detail and explain which students they would be most suited to.
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BA (Hons) Professional Dance
& Musical Theatre
Validated by the University of East London (UEL)
Urdang introduced the BA (Hons) Professional Dance and Musical Theatre
in 2008. This course aims to provide the student with the opportunity
to train to the highest standards for a professional career in Dance and
Musical Theatre, whilst gaining solid academic skills that will enhance
career prospects upon graduation.
This is a full-time programme delivered over 3 years. The programme is equally weighted
between Dance, Musical Theatre and Contextual and Critical Studies. It provides subjectbased practical skills, knowledge and understanding, thinking skills and skills for life and
work. For the full programme specification please visit the UEL website at:
http://www.uel.ac.uk/undergraduate/specs/profdancetheatre/
Year 1
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Dance: Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz and Tap
Musical Theatre: Singing Technique, Singing Repertoire, Integrated Performance,
Acting, Acting Through Song, Voice, Articulation and Accent
Contextual and Critical Studies: Healthier Performer, Music Theory for the Performer,
Dance History (with embedded study skills), Musical Theatre History and Choreography
Year 2
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Dance: Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz and Tap
Musical Theatre: Singing Technique, Singing Portfolio, Integrated Performance, Acting,
Acting Through Song, Voice and Accent
Contextual and Critical Studies: Performance Culture, Musical Theatre Choreography,
Preparing to Research and Dissertation Proposal
Year 3
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Dance: Specialised Dance
Musical Theatre: Singing for Audition and Acting for Audition
Performance: Dance Production and Musical Presentation (Public Performances)
Contextual and Critical Studies: Dissertation
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4 Performance
Performance is at the heart of Urdang’s training. We strive to provide the
students with as many opportunities as possible to gain performance
experience and showcase their talents. All students have the opportunity
to perform in various productions during their training, some in-house
and some for friends, family and the public.
During their first and second years students participate in the Summer Show, an event
encompassing all areas of their training and, for many, the highlight of the academic year.
In the second year students also participate in an in-house musical presentation, providing
increased opportunity for students to gain valuable performance experience.
Students are also regularly involved in other performances throughout their training such
as the Move It Dance Exhibition, held annually at Olympia as well as events including charity
galas, held at The Old Finsbury Town Hall or at outside venues. Our students have also been
invited to perform at St. Paul’s Cathedral as part of the Lord Mayor’s Festival.
As an extension of Urdang’s vision to encourage participation in the performing arts, an
all-male dance company was formed in 2007 under the name of Strike. Made up of Urdang’s
students, Strike seeks to inspire future generations of young performers and regularly
appears at Move It and other events.
Performance plays a large part in the final year of study at Urdang, with three major public
performances throughout the year. Graduate productions are tailored to the student’s
specific track in order to showcase each individual’s strengths and employability. All
students are showcased to dance and theatrical agencies at a West End venue. The varied
programme of performances enables Urdang to invite a wide range of industry professionals
and theatrical agencies. As a result, students have a great chance of securing the best agent
representation appropriate to their chosen career path.
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Urdang graduate Samantha
Dorsey as Cosette in Les
Miserables
Samantha graduated in 2012
straight into a lead in the West End
5 Our Graduates
Life after graduation continues to be positive for Urdang’s students
gaining good employment in the West End and beyond. Urdang strives
to showcase each individual student during their final year of training in
order to help them secure agent representation. In 2011 and 2012, over
90% of graduating students left with representation from leading dance
and theatrical agencies. This means our students leave with the optimum
chance of securing high quality professional work within the industry.
Recent graduates are currently performing in West End shows such as Les Miserables, (See
adjacent image) Ghost, Thriller! Live, Viva Forever, A Chorus Line, Singing in the Rain, The
Jersey Boys, The Lion King, Top Hat, Wicked and Matilda. Our graduates can also be seen in
National and International tours with productions such as Ghost, Thriller! Live, Avenue Q,
and Hairspray.
For regular updates regarding our graduates please visit our website
www.theurdangacademy.com
“
Before coming to Urdang I was only a dancer and didn’t know much about Musical
Theatre. With their encouragement and beneficial training, I found my own unique way
of singing and acting and have now become an all-round performer! Urdang is like a
family, it allows you to come out of your shell and become the performer that you have
always wanted to be.
Kirstie Skivington, Urdang Graduate 2011. Graduated into Ghost at the Piccadilly
Theatre and currently in Viva Forever, West End.
“
”
When I heard I had won a place at the Urdang Academy I was over the moon and filled
with such delight! I truly feel that it is because of them that I am where I am now after
just completing my first show Fela at the National Theatre and now going onto Lion
King, West End as my second.
Aisha Jawando, Urdang Graduate 2010. Previously appeared in Fela! at National
Theatre, The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre and currently on tour with Soul Sister.
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Photograph © Michael Le Poer Trench and Alastair Muir
”
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Foundation Course in Dance &
Musical Theatre
The aim of the Foundation Course is to raise the level of each student’s
technique and performance ability and combine this with the knowledge
and confidence to successfully audition for further training at a vocational
college or University. Included in this is the improved chance of gaining a
scholarship for their future training.
Since its introduction in 2009, the Foundation Course has proved to be highly successful as a
stepping-stone for those students who wish to successfully audition for further training.
“
The Foundation Course gave me an insight into the commitment and dedication needed
for this career and I loved every minute of it. The course developed me as a well-rounded
performer in each discipline, giving me the ability, confidence and technique to be able to
go to auditions and not only show my talent but my personality. Without the knowledge
this course gave me I would not have been able to continue with my chosen career.
Nicola Horsburgh, Foundation Course Graduate 2011
”
The Curriculum
Dance: Ballet, Ballet Theory, Contemporary, Jazz Technique, Performance Jazz, Jazz for
Audition, Tap and Body Conditioning
Musical Theatre: Acting Portfolio, Acting Improvisation, Singing Technique and Singing Portfolio
Theory: Application Support, Interview Technique and Tutorial
In order to help each individual student achieve their goal, Urdang provides regular feedback on
an informal and formal basis. This feedback ranges from advice on communication, presentation,
performance ability, technical skill and choice of audition material. Tailored advice is given
to each individual with regards to appropriate courses and institutions, and applications are
overseen by the Foundation Co-ordinator. It is this constant exchange of feedback that ensures
each student is confident and fully prepared to continue their education.
Alongside a solid grounding in the techniques required for dance and musical theatre training,
the course also emphasises the importance of performance ability. During the final term of
training the students participate in a display of the work they have achieved throughout the year.
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7 Pastoral Care and Treatment
Urdang prides itself on ensuring students are supported throughout their
training. Our reputation is built upon an ethos of nurturing individuals
and this attitude has been highly praised by Ofsted.
“
Pastoral guidance and welfare, including the prevention and treatment of injury,
are exemplary.
Ofsted 2011
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Pastoral Care
Urdang recognises the importance of pastoral care for all its students, as for many this may
be the first time they have lived away from home and experienced the buzz of London. The
Principal and Student Liaison Officer work together to provide a range of support and advice
covering many practical areas; including advice regarding accommodation, finance and
welfare. The Student Liaison Officer is also able to refer individual students to professional
practitioners where appropriate. Weekly tutorials are held in small groups to maintain a high
level of pastoral support for all students throughout the year.
Treatment Department
A performer’s body needs to be kept in peak physical condition in order to cope with
the demanding nature of training in the performing arts industry. Injury prevention is
an important part of Urdang’s ethos, alongside minimising absence from training whilst
students recover from an injury. Urdang works in collaboration with a leading group
of therapists who can tend to a student’s injuries quickly and efficiently in our fully
equipped on-site treatment facilities. A range of therapies are on offer to enhance student
rehabilitation including Physiotherapy, Acupuncture, Pilates, Sports Massage, Reflexology
and Aromatherapy.
During the induction period all new students are offered the opportunity to invest in private
medical insurance, which is strongly advised. In certain circumstances referrals to specialists
and private hospital treatment may be needed, in which case this medical insurance option
allows for quick and efficient specialist care.
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Pre-Audition Course
Our Pre-Audition Course is held three times a year for students aged 14-21 years. This is an
intensive five day course designed for students interested in auditioning for professional
vocational colleges, culminating in a mock audition. It provides an opportunity for students
to gain the necessary skills, information and confidence to embark on auditions. Over the
five days they will be prepared with a solo song and monologue, as well as being tutored
in audition technique for ballet and jazz. These courses are led by members of the Urdang
faculty.
Summer School
We offer a choice of five-day courses that give a unique experience into the world of Dance
and Musical Theatre. Sessions are led by our own specialist teachers in conjunction with
West End performers, professional choreographers and musical directors.
11 The Founder
Leonie Urdang was the founder and principal of the Urdang Academy
until her sudden death in 2001.
Leonie was born in Cape Town, South Africa under apartheid,
in 1939. Her increasing abhorrence of the regime led to
her immigration to the UK in 1961. She took with her two
passions: one for human rights, the other for Ballet. Even as
a child she knew that dance would be her career. She trained
at the University of Cape Town, with a particular focus on
choreography.
Courses are aimed at engaging and entertaining young performers who are interested in
pursuing formal training or just having fun!
Summer Course (14-21 years) a fantastic Dance course including optional workshops in
Dance Repertoire, Musical Theatre or Streetdance.
Streetdance Course (13 years+) is our newest course teaching the hottest Streetdance
styles including street, commercial, house dance, popping and waacking.
Summer Youth Course (10-13 years) is a comprehensive course giving younger students
the chance to have fun while learning new skills.
Visit www.theurdangacademy.com to find out information regarding dates and fees
for all our upcoming courses.
Ask about a 10% discount
10% discounts are given when booking more than one course per student, for additional
siblings and to Islington residents.
Come along to experience Dance and Musical Theatre training at its best!
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No sooner had she arrived in London than she began to rent space in two church halls where
the dream to establish a Ballet school began to take shape, student by student. The nascent
school in Golders Green began to grow, until it was clear that bigger premises were needed
and she could begin to fulfill her dream to train young dancers full-time. With the foresight
and imagination that were among her trademarks, she soon located an old warehouse
school in Covent Garden just after the market moved out. The space was converted into the
Urdang Academy where it flourished.
Her commitment to equality was a founding premise for the Urdang Academy. Her mission
was to ensure that talented young dancers would receive the training they deserved despite
economic circumstances. She was determined that diversity would be a mark of the school,
enabling students of different backgrounds the opportunity to train there. Fundraising
through galas and other means, she established a scholarship program, often adding her
own personal resources to the fundraising efforts. There were times when as many as ten
full-time students would be living free of charge in her house in Islington.
Leonie will always be remembered for her outsize generosity, her infectious sense of
humour and the personal interest she took in every student that entered Urdang. She is
particularly remembered for the contribution she made to the dance world.
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12 Our People
Senior Management Team
Solange Urdang, Managing Director
Solange became Managing Director of Urdang in
2001. Having herself trained at Urdang she had a
successful career as a dancer and singer in commercial
entertainment, TV and pop video. In 1994 she diversified
into art, design and photography and also worked at the
Academy in a variety of roles. Solange was responsible
for the successful move to The Old Finsbury Town Hall,
echoing the achievements of her mother. She now
focuses on ensuring Urdang maintains and grows its
reputation as a leading international performing arts
college, continuing its founding ethos and passion of
breaking down cultural barriers.
Stephanie Pope ARAD (dip PDTC), Principal
After graduating from Rambert Ballet School, Stephanie
performed as a classical ballet dancer as well as pursuing
a successful West End and TV career. Having retired as
a performer Stephanie gained her teaching qualification
on the Professional Dancers Teachers Course from The
Royal Academy of Dance. Following a position as resident
ballet teacher at Bush Davies School she moved to Hong
Kong as Senior Ballet Mistress for the feeder school to
the Hong Kong Ballet Company. On her return to England
she joined the Urdang Academy as Head of Students and
after Leonie Urdang’s death became Principal. Stephanie
is also currently a national adjudicator for a variety of
dance festivals and competitions.
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Craig Phillips, Course Director
Craig became Course Director at Urdang in 2002 and
is responsible for all matters relating to the training
and development of the students. He joined Urdang
in 1985 having had a long and successful professional
career working with companies such as The Queensland
Ballet, Northern Dance Theatre, Dublin City Ballet, Opera
North and Glyndebourne Opera. He was Ballet Master
for The Gothenburg Ballet, and guest Ballet Master
for Queensland Ballet and Malmo Stadtsteater. With a
passion for choreography, shared with Urdang’s Founder,
he has choreographed many prestigious productions and
continues to do so at the Academy. Craig is currently a
trustee for the Council for Dance Education and 4Training
(UK).
Paul Hack, LSSM (Dip), TIDHA, MIFPA Cert Ed (PA),
Artistic Director
Paul oversees Urdang’s full-scale musical theatre and dance
performances. He joined the Academy in 2003, following a
prolific professional musical theatre performance career,
with credits both internationally and in the West End
including ‘Fosse’, ‘Chicago’, ‘Oh! What A Night’ (performer
and resident director), ‘Copacabana’, ‘My Fair Lady’, ‘Go
Hollywood’ and ‘42nd Street’. He also acts as Careers
Advisor for graduating year students and, as a fully qualified
sports massage therapist, reflexologist and aromatherapist,
manages Urdang’s Treatment Department.
Department Heads, Faculty Staff & Industry Professionals
Urdang’s teaching staff are all highly-skilled, leading professionals in their fields. We
understand the value and balance of experience and teaching skills, with many still pursuing
performance careers as dancers, actors, directors and choreographers in the industry, our
students continue to have significant and positive exposure to industry leaders. A large
number of guest professionals, West End casting directors, directors and choreographers are
invited to Urdang to work with and talk to the students as part of their training. Please refer
to our website www.theurdangacademy.com for full information on Urdang’s staff.
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13 The Venue
Situated in the heart of London, just down the road from Sadlers
Wells and moments away from both Angel and Farringdon station,
Urdang’s state of the art facilities include seven studios and four
singing and lecture rooms, together with a library, IT facilities, a
café and modern changing rooms. The stunning Great Hall acts as a
flexible performance space.
The Urdang Academy is based at the Old Finsbury Town Hall (Grade II* listed building). This
is no ordinary performing arts centre. It is one of the capital’s hidden treasures with its
rich Regency and Victorian heritage; providing students with an inspiring backdrop to their
training. Urdang Academy spent two years restoring this beautiful landmark to its former
glory, ensuring it meets the needs of students and their training.
Urdang also hires out its facilities for productions, community events, weddings, corporate
functions and evening dance and drama classes, all of which bring in revenue which is used
within the fee reduction scheme. You can catch a glimpse of the venue in numerous TV and
Film productions such as The Iron Lady and Ellie Goulding’s video ‘Starry Eyed’.
“
The course has hugely benefitted from the academy’s relocation in The Old Finsbury
Town Hall. This is a bold and imaginative step that has not only provided Urdang with
a suite of sparkling new studios and other facilities but has also rejuvenated staff and
generated a sense of pride.
Ofsted
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”
I would like to take this opportunity to thank your team for all of their help with
providing such great spaces for auditions and rehearsals.
Cameron Mackintosh Ltd
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”
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Urdang is accredited by the Council
for Dance Education and Training
The Old Finsbury Town Hall Rosebery Avenue London EC1R 4RP
www.theurdangacademy.com [email protected] 020 7713 7710