The course comprises daily technique classes including contemporary, ballet and commercial; fitness sessions; choreography and creative sessions; workshops in digital technologies, dance-teaching skills and community dance practices. You will also be encouraged to think, write and talk about how dance theory informs your work.
There are many opportunities to perform in works by professional choreographers for the University Dance Company, as well as works created by your fellow students. Performances are presented in our professional theatre.
The emphasis is on professional practice, technical competence, creativity and teamwork, a combination that supports students to be versatile, adaptable and employable.
Why choose this course?
- Learn from our highly experienced teaching team specialising in different areas of dance
- Develop your skills through visiting dance artists and choreographers
- Create your own work for performance, including a major piece for the annual student showcase and dance festival
- Gain performance experience in our up-to-the-minute dance studios and professional 280-seat theatre
- Explore extra-curricular activities including cultural exchanges, dance societies and trips
- Take up opportunities for internships and participation in external dance projects
Unit Information - What will I learn?
Units
- Analysing Performance (PER022-1) Compulsory
- Dance Technique And Choreography (PER025-1) Compulsory
- Dance Technique And Digital Performance (PER024-1) Compulsory
- Understanding Performance (PER021-1) Compulsory
- Understanding The Performance Sector (PER023-1) Compulsory
- Working In The Performance Sector (PER020-1) Compulsory
- Dance Technique And Improvisation (PER027-2) Compulsory
- Dance Technique And Performance Making (PER026-2) Compulsory
- Questioning Performance (PER024-2) Compulsory
- Teaching And Community Practice (PER025-2) Compulsory
- Choreographic Production (PER007-3) Compulsory
- Dissertation (PER028-3) Compulsory
- Practice As Research (PER029-3) Compulsory
- Professional Practice In Performing Arts (PER010-3) Compulsory
- University Dance Company (PER005-3) Compulsory
How will I be assessed?
There are a range of summative assessments used on the course. Practical assessments including performing dance exercises and repertoire, showing choreographic or compositional work and teaching workshops or classes. These also identify your level of attainment regarding professional and collaborative practices and engagement in practice led research in the fields of technique, performance, choreography and pedagogic practices. Written assessments including writing essays and portfolios, assessing your analytical, written communication and reflective skills and practice. These also identify your level of attainment regarding synthesising and understanding published theory, adherence to academic conventions, structuring arguments and the clarity and logic of your writing. Presentation assessments including performance presentations, academic papers and market place presentations assess your verbal communication, academic and entrepreneurial skills and ability to structure and disseminate your work in a live context. These also identify your level of attainment regarding locating and situating your own research and practice in both academia and the dance industry. The use of formative assessments across the units enables you to monitor your progress. As you progress through the 3 years, performance and choreographic work moves from studio based `in class' assessments to public performances culminating in a performance tour in the final year. Your writing and research skills gradually build to equip you with the skills for your final year project or dissertation. There is significant additional support for students working towards assessment; guided rehearsals provide additional studio space to work towards practical assessments, one to one supervision for choreographic and written work and PAD, the professional academic development team.
