News: Dance graduates aim to inspire young people with their passion for performing arts

DANCOP is a partnership of universities and colleges working together to raise the aspirations of young people and support them to consider their futures, as part of a national government initiative to increase the number of young people from underrepresented groups who go into higher education (HE).

RESET, The Theatre Arts Outreach Company launched in Summer 2021 and consists of seven former Level 3 and university level performing arts students from Nottingham College. 

The idea for the dance company came from the college’s Course Leader for Foundation Degree in Dance, Nicola Burt, who has noticed a decline in dance and performing arts on the school curriculum.

Chris Brayford, who is a member of the company studied a Foundation degree followed by a BA(Hons) Performing Arts Top-up Degree at the College and is now working as a freelance dancer and choreographer. He wanted to join the company to help inspire males to get into dance and performing arts. 

He said: ​“When I was approached to be a part of RESET, I was excited to get involved because I want to do my part to inspire others to get into performing arts, especially males.

​“Not a lot of young males get into dance, and I want to show them that they can be a part of this and have an identity within performing arts. ”

RESET officially launched with a performance of their first piece earlier this month. The piece, which was created by Sophie Thorpe from the Tom Dale Dance Company, was performed to an audience of College staff, students and creative industry experts in Fletchers Theatre, a state-of-the-art 200-seater theatre based inside Nottingham College’s City Hub.

Find out more about how how the company formed their piece in this behind the scenes video:

If you want to pursue a career you love, that makes going to work every day interesting and enjoyable, then choosing a course with us will help you to learn more about the creative industries and how you can find your place within them. 

We offer a variety courses at Nottingham College, ranging from Level 1 to Degree Level.You’ll have access to amazing facilities at our brand new City Hub campus, including a 200-seater theatre equipped with the latest lighting and sound technology. Plus, we also have dance studios, acting studios, a costume department, a set design studio and a construction workshop!