Course may be subject to change.
This Foundation Degree in Dance Performance is a performance-based course which aims to provide you with the skills, knowledge and understanding of dance performance, with an emphasis on contemporary dance.
This two-year degree takes a student-centred approach to ensure you gain the core skills, techniques and knowledge needed to progress into the industry or further study.
You will engage in a wide range of practical and theoretical sessions to accumulate a vast amount of industry standard experience.
As part of the exploration of contemporary dance practice supported by classical ballet and other dance genres, you will study a range of styles, techniques, and practitioners to train the body to be fit, expressive and articulate while developing an in depth understanding of the art of dance and its place in performing arts practice.
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Entry Criteria
You will hold four GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including maths and English, and a Level 3 qualification in a relevant subject with a minimum of 32 UCAS points (A-Level and/or BTEC).
Non-Standard Entry Requirements (including mature students)
If you are aged 21 by 31 December of the year of admission or do not hold the standard entry requirements above, you may gain entry onto the foundation degree with the appropriate qualifications and experience.
You are welcomed to display your knowledge, understanding and experience of performing arts at interview. You will complete a skill-based audition.
International applicants If English is not your first language, you will be required to prove your English Language abilities by taking an IELTS for UKVI test at an approved UK Visa and Immigration test centre. You will be required to have a minimum overall score of 5.5 with no component (speaking, reading, writing, and listening) less than 5.0.
What are the next steps?
You will submit a personal statement (300 words) to detail your attributes, aspirations, and suitability for the course.
You will be interviewed face-to-face, via telephone or video conferencing. A set of standard questions will be asked to all candidates. These questions will include the motivations for application to the course, your expectations of the course and career progression aspirations.
The interview will also include a practical audition to assess your dance performance ability. This is standard practice for entry onto a vocational dance course of this level.
- Dance warm-up
- Contemporary technique class
- Creative dance workshop
- Solo dance piece in your chosen style for a maximum length of two-minutes.
Modules Studied
Level 4
Dance Technique
Develop the technical skills required to meet the expected standard for Level 4. The module involves intensive practice not only to provide knowledge and understanding but also to train the body to perform dance movement safely and accurately. Correct posture and alignment and muscular coordination will be a strong focus for the year, helping you to build strength and flexibility, and dynamic versatility.
Creative Workshop
This module is a precursor of the choreography module, providing you with opportunities for creative dance work in collaboration with your peers. It is designed to give you an understanding of methods of composition and structure while allowing every opportunity for individual creative contributions to the workshops and the material generated. You will be introduced to a variety of stimuli and will make an artistic response to these as a collaborative activity.
A performance piece will be devised and taken into a community venue.
Performance Project
At Level 4, you will develop important performance skills which can lead to a professional career. Audition techniques will be included to teach you how to present yourself as a performer. You will learn, rehearse, and perform a piece of choreography by a professional artist and will present this to a community audience. It will also be part of your summative assessment.
A written evaluation of the process and product of the performance encourages the application of theoretical understanding.
Safe Dance Practice
This area of study is vital to the emerging dance performer and ensures that safe practice is observed to protect the body from injury as more and more demanding movement is required. You will learn how to build strength, flexibility and stamina, as well as, supporting correct diet and mental well-being. The delivery is partly practical through a variety of body-conditioning sessions and partly theoretical where the foundation in sports science is explored and applied to dance.
Personal and Professional Development
You will complete a Reflective Work and Development Journal to assess your practical learning.
There will also be an element of contextual studies which will culminate in a written assignment. Taught areas will include reflective practice, study skills and approaches to academic writing, exploration of the historical and social context of dance performance and basic research skills.
Level 5
Dance Technique
This module continues to build on the learning and physical training undertaken at Level 4.
Performance Project
The Performance Project 2 at Level 5 becomes a more significant element of the year of study. This module prepares you for professional life.
Influential Practitioners (optional)
This module will provide you with the opportunity to develop your knowledge of influential dance performance practitioners.
Choreography Project (optional)
This module is designed for you if you have an interest in creating and composing dance pieces and are seeking the opportunity to choreograph your own pieces for performance.
Personal and Professional Development
Prepare for the next steps in your chosen career path. You will explore possible future employment and self-employment opportunities, paying attention to auditioning, self-marketing, and self-management.
Teaching and Assessment
The key objectives are to:
- Deliver high-level dance technique classes with industry specialists.
- Develop your creativity, confidence and performance skills.
- Provide you with opportunities to reflect and evaluate the skills you have developed.
- Engage you in digital learning opportunities in Dance Creation, in all aspects of communication and in current employment practices such as showreels or other appropriate video presentations.
- Prepare you for work situations.
Teaching strategies:
- Differentiation
- Appropriate Dance Teaching Methodology
- Creative Learning Climate
- Learning Outcomes and Progress
- Effective Questioning
- Assessment for Learning
Lectures will introduce the relevant theories/knowledge of an individual topic within a subject.
Workshops will facilitate practical creative work in groups exploring themes, inventive ideas, and dance expression.
Seminars will develop your understanding of the theories from the lectures through practical work.
Individual and group tutorials will allow you to develop academic skills, reflective practice and research skills.
Studio-based practical dance technique classes are designed to train you to perform dance movements correctly, including body alignment, strength, flexibility, stamina, and artistry.
Formative and summative assessments are used to motivate, stimulate and inform learning.
You could progress into full-time employment within the industry or hone and refine your skills with one of the following top-up courses:
- Northern School of Contemporary Dance BA (Hons) top-up
- Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance BA (Hons)
- London Contemporary Dance School BA (Hons)
- Leeds Beckett University BA (Hons)
- University of Central Lancashire BA (Hons)
- London Studio Centre – Professional Performance BA (Hons) top-up
