Darren Carr
Darren is Finance Officer for DanceHE
As Vice Principal and Director of Higher Education 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.
In 2022 he supported NSCD to register with the office for Students and in 2024/25, took the school through successful Full Degree awarding Powers application. He is now working with eight small specialist institutions to have their training and degree programmes validated by NSCD.
