Darren is Finance Officer for DanceHE

You can contact Darren at the following address:
Northern School of Contemporary Dance, 98,Chapeltown Rd, Leeds LS74BH.
e: [email protected].   T: 0113 219 3010

As Director of Studies at Northern School of Contemporary Dance, Darren supports the leadership team in contributing towards the strategic direction, academic policy making and development and delivery of NSCD objectives. His research reflects upon the nature of peer learning within an integrated environment for dance undergraduates and community based participants. His publications to date are in relation to his model of practice known as ‘an in-reaching community of practice’. In 2014 he was part of a collaborative research council bid with the European Human Rights Commission to create and support ‘making reasonable adjustments’ legislation for schools and community activities. He is a member of the executive Board for DANCE HE.

Darren originally trained in Dance at Middlesex Polytechnic, before embarking on a performance career in America. Upon his return to the UK, he has created and performed work in regional arts platforms including Dance Northwest’s Leap festival, and with his company X-Closion (1990-04). He has taught extensively in Primary, Secondary and Further Education before joining the full time staff at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) in 2004.  He was Programme Leader for Dance at LJMU from 2008-2016. His research-informed-teaching is focused on Dance Pedagogy, Learning communities and professional practice . In 2007-2009 he was awarded by CETL (Centre of excellence in Teaching and Learning) a sabbatical to form a small Integrated company of able-bodied dancers and dancers with disabilities, to research into inclusive practices and integration through the creative process.

His on-going PhD research through publication project JUMP IN (tegrated) Dance, reflects upon the nature of peer learning within an integrated environment for dance undergraduates and community based participants. His research and practice in this area was recognised in 2009 by an LJMU Curriculum Innovations Award. In 2012 & 2013 he published his first research papers in relation to his model of practice known as ‘an in-reaching community of practice’.  In 2014 he was part of a successful collaborative research council bid with the European Human Rights Commission to create and support ‘making reasonable adjustments’ legislation for schools and community activities.

In January 2016,  he left LJMU to take up the position of Director of Studies at Northern School of Contemporary Dance, Leeds.