A group of figures covered head to toe all in black make different movements within the landscape.

Human Safari by Xin Feng, 2023 MA Commercial Photography, London College of Communication, UAL

University of the Arts London

UAL Showcase Collections

Body Language

Bright pink and grey patterns on a black background

Spatial design research project that examines urban mobility and how dance serves as a catalyst for dynamic, temporary, and participatory architectural spaces. “A speculation on how urban planning choreographs movement and how dance can create autonomous zones for reconfiguring interaction and engagement.” – Martin Hargreaves, Head of The Rose Choreographic School “I love the colour and the way this project gets us thinking about how urban spaces and practices have an impact on choreography.” – Natasha Anderson, Head of Community Engagement Sadler’s Wells

Nomadism Theater

Multiple dancers on stage under red lighting, trapped in some netting.

Dance theatre production called NE(S)T explored the complexities of a romantic relationship and the invisible violence caused by gender inequality.“Movement is often perceived as gendered. Gender itself is a performance.” – Niquelle LaTouche, Head of Academy Breakin’ Convention

NE(S)T

A white sculpture consisting of a mix of body parts, including breasts, legs and heart.

Fine art project about how the patriarchy sexualises and objectifies the female form, whilst condemning women who dare to embrace their own bodies and regain control.“Nasty Parts reminded me of the ‘hoochie mama’ of Hip Hop and the hyper sexualised framing of female figures like Lil Kim, Megan Thee Stallion and Cardi B. Women have choice, but when representing themselves in packages other than the ‘fair maiden’, it is a balancing act being autonomous within misogynistic systems of oppression.” – Niquelle LaTouche, Head of Academy Breakin’ Convention

Nasty Parts

The concept for this project was centred on a young woman's struggle with the notion of taking up physical space in public, a narrative drawn from the

Costume project about a young woman&#39;s struggle with taking up physical space in public.“Expand resonated with young people’s tendency to try and make themselves smaller, reducing the space they take up so that they can fit in with the crowd. At National Youth Dance Company, we support young people to do the opposite, encouraging them to be individual, to identify their dance form, their way of moving, what they will contribute of themselves to the collective.” – Hannah Kirkpatrick, Head of National Youth Dance Company

Expand

Two women wearing bright orange carnival costumes, embellished with feathers and jewels.

Costume design and creation inspired by Caribbean culture and Notting Hill Carnival.“The carnival community is one of the longest standing acts of resistance and community by people of the African diaspora. Carnival is preservation, heritage, ritual, and spirit. Those costumes require time, skill and for most, are a labour of love. Seeing a project by a fashion graduate honouring the Caribbean communities and mas* makers is inspiring. – Niquelle LaTouche, Head of Academy Breakin’ Convention * Short for ‘masquerade’, mas is the practice of Carnival – bringing together elements of theatre, costume, music and dance.

Raina Officer

Three images showing the same model wearing a theatrical costume with green puffy skirt and black top and jacket, covered in pearl-like balls.

Two costumes: Viktor Viktoria showgirl costume and an allegorical figure of Tosca.“I recognised1980-90s Hip Hop influences in this costume. It made me think of MC Hammer’s balloon trousers and of the Harlem Ballroom dance scene that was born in the 1960s and has seen a resurgence today. This project touches on how trends within music shape new styles. The embellishment on the costume echoes the bling culture that has been a thread throughout the history of Hip Hop.” – Michelle Norton, Director of Breakin’ Convention

Final year Design and Research Projects

A model wears a theatrical black costume with large puffed sleeves, covered in silver baubles, with matching hat.

Costume for the Queen of The Night from Mozart&#39;s The Magic Flute, which focuses on creating the illusion of power though excessive adornment and embellishment.“Although wealth and power are a popular topic of conversation, the social conditions, access to opportunities for social mobility and a desire to outwardly show wealth is also something we should interrogate. Diamonds are residual historical landmarks and the adornment of this costume and Queen reference reminds me of the UK monarchy’s colonial rule and occupation of diamonds, history we are rarely taught.” – Niquelle LaTouche, Head of Academy Breakin’ Convention

The Queen of the Night

A graffiti-style illustration of a female DJ dressed in purple with high ponytail and hoop earrings.

Zine spotlighting women and non-binary people across London&#39;s jungle and drum &#39;n&#39; bass scene.“I like the way Mia Khan has demonstrated the interplay between subcultures. Rave Grrrl is an important piece of work that shines a light on the significance of DJs within the development of dance music scenes.” – Natasha Anderson, Head of Community Engagement Sadler’s Wells “The ‘underground’ has huge impact on mainstream dance and music culture – Vogue balls, for example, inspired Beyoncé’s Renaissance album and tour. Many subcultures are fighting to have a space to exist and deserve recognition, while being authentically themselves.” – Niquelle LaTouche, Head of Academy Breakin’ Convention

Rave Grrrl

A group of people in inflatable costumes dance by a pool.

A dance theatre performance set by an outdoor swimming pool with inflatable costumes.“For me, this project recalls how resourceful National Youth Dance Company had to be during the Covid-19 pandemic. Lockdowns presented restrictions and challenges. When we couldn’t physically be together, we had to use Zoom develop and present work. This speaks to me of creativity via distance.” – Hannah Kirkpatrick, Head of National Youth Dance Company

The Normal World

A dancer onstage with multiple screens behind them.

Dance performance with a combination of hiphop, kpop, jazz, tutting, and wotagei.“Technology is here and if used well, can connect people in multiple locations, educate and challenging perceptions. This piece reminds me that we consume dance off-stage and how repackaging is shaping our experience and creation of dance.” – Niquelle LaTouche, Head of Academy Breakin’ Convention

Pop Up!

A group of people sitting on chairs around a table with their feet on the table.

Physical theatre performance inspired by J.S. Bach’s Goldberg Variations.“Bach in the Clouds demonstrates how you can take inspiration from different areas and subjects to create and to express yourself through movement. When Sadler’s Wells works alongside schools and colleges, we love to draw on a whole range of sources to spark movement, figuring out how we can engage with everyone regardless of previous experiences in dance.” – Laura Warner, Learning &amp; Engagement Manager at Sadler’s Wells

Bach in the Clouds

A sculpture made of a metal frame with torn tights material stretched across it. 

Sculpture focused on how entanglements of materials convey bodies through the lens of the female experience.“With minimal resources, the artist uses material manipulate and shape space. This work makes you consider how objects and people affect space and our ability to create something from very little.” – Niquelle LaTouche, Head of Academy Breakin’ Convention

When I Was Younger, I Was A Dancer (2023)

Two people in black mocsuit with outstretched arms like birds standing in the field

Staged photography series exploring how virtual social interaction turns us into role players.“The anonymity of the bodies in this piece made me think of our responsibility as artists when taking on a role, a vision or idea. We can occupy somebody else&#39;s identity, celebrate, question, mourn, provide hope. What a gift to have the body speak for us through performance!” – Niquelle LaTouche, Head of Academy Breakin’ Convention