Dance

This course has a long-standing reputation for its breadth of study. Drawing on the expertise of a highly professional teaching team and a range of visiting dance artists and choreographers we prepare the next generation of dance performers, choreographers, writers, dance filmmakers, teachers, somatic practitioners and community artists.
Our programme is divided into strands of study that include Dance Technique, Dance Practice and Production, and Dance Contexts and Research. In our third year the Applied Dance Practice strand allows students to engage with areas of dance practice and performance that are related directly to careers in Performance, Choreography, Teaching, Dance Movement Psychotherapy, Community Dance, Production and Administration.

Key features of this course include:

• a daily technique class across a range of genres (contemporary dance, ballet, dance fitness, somatic techniques, and contact improvisation);

• all student choreography taken to production with public performances every semester;

• options to select areas of study that relate directly to your career aspirations;

• Industry Placement opportunities;

• the option to study abroad;

• regular performances from visiting dance and theatre companies in the University’s Showroom.

Professional company links include: Lîla Dance, Flexer & Sandiland, Ceyda Tanc Dance Company, Tribe Company, AKA Dance Theatre Company and Mapdance.

Professional Associations and Organisations include: GradLab, and The Point.

Overseas partner institutions: York University in Toronto, Canada; Escola Superior de Dança, Lisbon Portugal; University College of Dance in Stockholm, Sweden; Theatre Academy of Finland in Helsinki; State University of New York in Buffalo.

Examples of modules include:

Year 1 – Dance Techniques 1, Choreography & Devising, Choreography & Performance, Examining Dance History, Thinking Through Dance, Re-examining Dances

Year 2 – Dance Techniques 2, Improvisation and Performance, Research Methodologies in Dance, Safe Dance Practice, Popular Dance: Street, Stage, Screen, Scenography for Dance

Year 3 – Dance Techniques 3, Dance Dissertation Project, Choreographic Projects, Body Politics, Dance Movement Psychotherapy, Applied Dance: Community, Production and Administration; Teaching Dance Technique