This full-time course offers an integrated education in dance, combining practical studio training with academic inquiry in dance studies and lectures and seminars on other liberal arts.

Daily technique classes in Chinese dance and Contemporary dance are complemented by classes on theoretical studies in movement analysis, teaching methodologies, dance education, creative processes of performance, dance history, dance criticism, notation, and body therapy. Workshops and guest lectures in world performance traditions such as African, East Indian, Chinese and Native dance will be part of the programme. Courses dealing with the choreography and repertory will also be offered alongside. This dynamic programme provides inspiring training in essential disciplines of mind and body - together with creative expressions in contemporary dance and choreography.

This course is designed to prepare graduates for vocational roles in the dance industry, as such the learning styles are closely matched to the experiences they will have or need to work in the industry. In particular this will provide them a carefully scaffolded increase in the required autonomy as practitioners of dance/dance education, a wide range of experiential learning and opportunities to apply this learning in a semi-professional context. This might include the formation of the degree-based dance company and the opportunities to teach in local community-based institutions.

Objectives

• This programme develops knowledge, understanding, and conceptual, technical and managerial skills relevant to the creation of dance. Through an industry-focused and carefully phased study of twelve modules, you will become multi-skilled and be able to work with confidence in a competitive and demanding industry.
• The project-based modules ensure that you have the skills to work in an arts administration environment and within small medium enterprise (SME’s), which make up 69% of the creative industries. Rambert, for example, which is the biggest employer of dancers in the UK, is a small medium enterprise.
• Classes will be taught by dance teaching practitioners, dance professionals and visiting artists including Rambert Dance Company, RIFCO Arts and Rudeye.
• The programme also develops the key skills that you will need in order to excel within a creative workplace although these skills are also transferable beyond the Dance sector into all areas of the creative industries.
• On successful completion of this programme you will have a clear understanding of the dance industry and the ability to apply theory to technique. This BA will provide you with a cohesive programme of learning encompassing a generic set of outcomes but also allowing for a degree of individual specialism towards one industry sector.