Dance and Aerial Arts

Course summary
Our BA (Hons) Dance and Aerial Arts degree is the first aerial dance undergraduate degree in the UK and offers intensive practical training experience combining dance and aerial technique classes to help prepare performers for careers within the creative industry.

Reach new heights with aerial training This course introduces you to aerial alongside dance and choreography training and is available to you whether you are new to aerial work or a practiced performer as our technique classes can cater to mixed ability. You do not need previous aerial experience to apply.

Through three aerial technique classes per week, you will develop your performance skills with a range of apparatus, with the option to narrow your focus in third year if you wish to specialise in one.

Learn to use apparatus, including:
• Fabric
• Hoop
• Dance trapeze
• Rope
• Harness.

Develop your technical skills with intensive training
With a practical to theory ratio of 70:30, this highly practical course builds your technical foundations through intensive daily classes under the guidance of our expert and active dance practitioners.

Areas of focus include:
• Cunningham
• Release
• Ballet
• Contact improvisation
• Somatic practices
• Dance styles from styles influenced from other cultural perspectives.

Find your choreographic voice
Throughout your course, we will encourage you to develop confidence and skills in creating and performing your own work. You will have the opportunity to explore approaches to constructing theatrical and narrative work through set, props and lighting, as you draw on broader theatre-making strategies to develop your choreographic voice.

Perform throughout your degree Many of your modules will include a practical performance assessment and you will be able to perform in our dedicated performance venues, The ShowRoom and the Dance Theatre Space, as well as in our range of industry-standard studios and spaces.

Learn from sector-active dance practitioners
Our lecturers and dance tutors are all experienced, professional and practicing choreographers, technique tutors, dance artists and dance science specialists. Our tutors approach each class as an opportunity to share their expertise with you to nurture your talent and extend your creativity, as they get to know you and your aspirations.

Collaborative and supportive community
Studying and training at the University of Chichester means that you will join our close, collaborative community of dancers, choreographers, writers and researchers.

International exchange opportunities
As part of your dance course, you can take part in an international exchange programme during your second year, as you experience new cultures whilst you continue your dance training.

On this course you will:
• Study three aerial technique classes per week with equipment including vertical and horizontal apparatus and harness-based dance.
• Develop your knowledge of physical theatre and narrative choreography.
• Take daily dance-technique classes with dance students on other courses.
• Perform regularly, including at end of semester shows.
• Learn from experienced and sector-active dance practitioners and researchers.

In your first year, practical training, choreographic exploration and performance are at the heart of your experience. In addition, you will develop contextual knowledge through exploring dance history and philosophy as well as ways of researching through theory and practice.
In your second year, you will develop confidence in your theatricality and work with industry aerial artists to learn new technical skills and choreographic approaches as you begin to prepare for a future career within the dance sector. Your academic writing will develop through core module Research Methodologies, where research strategies will be explored and applied in a supportive environment.
Your third year centres around an exciting mix of modules that extend knowledge and approaches to making through theoretical and practical consideration of stage design, lighting and costume in relation to the movement and narrative. In your aerial technique classes, you will have the option to specialise in one apparatus if desired, or to maintain a breadth of apparatus.

Alongside the programme there will be the opportunity to complete a beginners instructor training course with Spin City instructor training, to equip you to start a journey in teaching aerial fitness with a well known certification.

You will complete a range of practical and contextual assessment tasks such as studio technique class assessments, live performances of your choreography, PowerPoint presentations for modules such as Preparing the Dance Artist for Work and written assignments for Research Methodologies and Independent Study Project. In addition, you will undertake a final research project which can be written, practice or a combination. This project allows you to focus on an area of particular interest to you and deepen your knowledge and understanding.