LCDT/LCDS

  • LCDS- founded in 1966

  • LCDT- founded in 1967

  • Started when Martha Graham performed in London in 1954, which was seen by Robin Howard (a London businessman)

  • Due to his disappointment when the Graham Company was not visiting the UK in 1962, he gathered support and pledged some of his own money to allow them to do so

  • In 1963 he enabled British dancers to study Graham in New York

  • In 1966, Howard designed to establish a school where modern dance could be taught and a theatre where it could be performed- LCDT (originally called London Contemporary Dance Group) and LCDS (originally called the Contemporary Dance Trust)

  • Started out as a series of moveable classes until they found a permanent home at The Place

  • Many of its earliest students has little dance training- includes Richard Alston, Siobhan Davies, Sally Potter, Jacky Langley and Fergus Early

  • In the early days, a variety of styles were taught including Cunningham, Limon and Nikolais

  • In 1967, Robert Cohan visited the trust and stayed as Director

  • Due to his background in Graham technique, the LCDT and LCDS’ style was heavily influenced by Graham technique

  • Despite the Graham influence, the LCDT did develop its own brand of poetic lyricism offset by dramatic intensity

  • The company was mainly made up of dancers from the LCDS, however other dancers were supported

  • Students at LCDS were encouraged to choreograph their own work, which resulted in many successful dancer-choreographers:

    • Richard Alston

    • Micha Bergese

    • Siobhan Davies

    • Darshan Sing Bhuller

    • Anthony van Laast

    • Jonathan Lunn

  • The company moved from small scale theatres and halls to eventually large scale theatres/touring

  • They has their first Sadlers Wells season in 1972

  • There was critical and audience acclaim and significant financial support

  • They made the public realise that dance was more than just ballet

  • Young audiences responded well to their choreography, modern scores and exciting lighting and design

  • Despite its success, the LCDT disbanded in 1994, partially due to the loss of Cohan from the position of Artistic Director in 1993, as well as the company being forces to focus on what generated income rather than challenging dance and creativity

  • One of the characteristics of LCDS 2000-current is collaborations

  • LCDS continues to develop dancers and choreographers that are working as part of the LCDS today

  • They take students from across the UK, EU and around the world