Central to the planning of the music + dance school is a courtyard space, open to the sky but connected to the dance studios. With large operable glazing panels, the courtyard offers the potential for the dance studios to spill out into an open air, informal performance space. With the opportunity for onlookers all around on the multiple levels of open balconies, the courtyard is an opportunity for dance to take centre stage in the daily and event life of the conservatorium.