How the Northern School of Contemporary Dance has boosted Leeds' economy
Leading figures from the worlds of business and culture gathered at Leeds Playhouse to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Northern School of Contemporary Dance.
By Greg Wright
Published 7th May 2026, 10:56 GMT
The Leeds-based conservatoire is the only institution of its kind outside London.
The school, which was founded in 1985, aims to make dance accessible to as many people as possible, through training, postgraduate programmes, or community classes that welcome students from all over the world to Chapeltown in Leeds.
Deputy Business Editor Greg Wright interviewed Sharon Watson, the CEO and Principal of the school.