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IPAD launches dynamic new dance studios at Trinity Buoy Wharf

Monday 28 September 2009

IPAD Dancers Perform

Dance students from the University of East London impressed guests and onlookers with fantastic performances at the launch of the two new state-of-the-art dance studios at UEL’s Institute of Performing Arts Development (IPAD) at Trinity Buoy Wharf last Friday.

Students from the Dance Urban Practice programme at UEL performed around the Docks area, overlooking the O2 arena and Canary Wharf. The two large dance studios are in the heart of one of the largest artistic and cultural sites in East London.

After the students’ performance in the studio, Director of IPAD, Mark O’Thomas said: “If this is what can be achieved after one day, let’s see what happens after a year, this is really impressive. It’s really exciting for our students to have a place like this to work in and with a new Masters programme starting next September, it’s going to get even better.”

UEL offers the first and only Higher Education teaching space devoted to Urban Dance Forms in the country and the BA (Hons) Urban Practice programme is the fastest growing Dance degree in the UK. Now in its third year, it has tripled its intake this September.

Guests included Big Dance Director, Jacqueline Rose from the GLA. She said: “I am delighted to be working in partnership with UEL to develop an innovative module of dance from now until 2012 which supports Big Dance London’s Legacy Trust UK programme.”

IPAD will also have support spaces, inside recycled brightly coloured steel containers. These include a green room, classroom and offices.

The studios are located just ten minutes from the Docklands Campus, overlooking the O2 arena and Canary Wharf.

Trinity Buoy Wharf (TBW) provides space for artists and cultural events, both long and short term. It is currently home to around 350 artists and creative businesses.

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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