Dance for Commercial Performance

Prepare for a career as a dancer or choreographer for the stage and screen by enhancing your technique in a variety of styles such as commercial, hip-hop, pas de deux, dancehall, waacking, popping, heels dance, house dance, contemporary, jazz, ballet, tap and more.

Dance at Weston will provide you with the practical and academic skills needed to be a versatile dancer or choreographer across all genres, in turn preparing you for postgraduate study. With training from industry professionals we will prepare you for a future career in the dance industry.

Priding ourselves on our vocational approach to training, this course is predominantly practical, with daily technique training in a variety of styles. You will also gain an understanding of relevant theoretical underpinnings, relating to topics such as stylistic development, choreographic practise and dance anatomy and nutrition. We consider training both academically and practically, geared towards looking at a holistic approach to dancers.

Taught at University Centre Weston (UCW).

Year one
You'll be introduced to key practitioners and processes that underpin dance training. We develop a strong foundation of techniques in various genres of dance, and introduce the principal skills of singing, acting and choreography. You'll explore current performance trends and how to work effectively within the dance industry. We also initiate the academic principles of practice as research, analysis and critique in your first year.

Year two
The second year builds your knowledge of technique, genre and styles of dance. As a dance artist, you develop an understanding and application of a range of choreographic approaches and performance techniques to make meaningful and imaginative work. Critical theory develops your academic and cognitive skills. In addition to ongoing technical classes, and in preparation for your third year, performance projects, partner work, contact, and improvisation expand your skills as a versatile dance artist.

Year three
Your final year hones the skills and knowledge that you developed during your second year, and applies it to a range of employment scenarios. Strategically selected projects and public performances throughout the year, with industry specialists in public venues, encourage professional working relationships and networking skills vital for future employment.

Assessment is via a combination of practical exams and coursework. The assessment breakdown is 75% practical assessment and 25% coursework. There are no written exams on this course.