Course Overview
This is a two-year full-time programme at Levels 4 and 5.
In year one you will complete a Higher National Certificate in Performing Arts (Dance) at Level 4.
On completion of your Higher National Certificate, you can complete a Higher National Diploma in Performing Arts (Dance) at Level 5.
The course is designed to train performers, choreographers and dance practitioners at a higher level for those who wish to pursue a career within the dance industry. This course provides professional dance training in Commercial, Contemporary, Jazz, Ballet, Tap, Choreography, Conditioning and community dance teaching. After this course many of our graduates convert this qualification into a BA Hons by studying a further years training of a BA Top-Up course. Many of our graduates decide to continue studying at Mechanics’ Performing Arts on the BA Hons Top-Up Degree in Performance Industries.We have close links to many areas of the industry and our graduates are now working in a variety of different employment areas including on cruise ships, professional dance companies, freelancing and dance teaching. Our students take part in industry led days where artists from across the industry, such as casting and talent agents, professional artists and our own graduates, come and inform our students of current aspects needed for a successful career.
The units you'll study have been specially chosen to enable you to develop technical and performance skills, to achieve a sound knowledge of the industry and give you optimum scope for accessing further study or employment. Our students take part in a variety of internal and external projects with termly performances to provide as many performance platforms as possible.
Performance platforms have included Phoenix Dance Theatre Platform, Fresh, Move it, Can You Dance, and collaborations with professional dance artists, corporate businesses and commercial adverts. Your study will provide you with the opportunity to apply your experience in the studio to a diverse range of performance spaces such as community-based contexts, choreographic projects, and professional theatres.
Through practical classes you will develop a wide range of dance performance techniques drawn from the work of recognised choreographers. You will grow as technical dancers, through experiencing a range of dance classes which will increase your strength, flexibility and versatility. Dancers undertake weekly conditioning classes to improve their dance fitness and develop new skills. Additionally, students have opportunities to develop acrobatic skills within conditioning classes throughout the course. At certain times of the year students have also undertaken some aerial and silks training to enhance their skills further.
All projects and performances are linked to the performing arts industry to give a real flavour of working as a dancer, choreographer, teacher and theorist. A variety of teaching and learning methods are used to encourage and facilitate your creative and artistic development and bring together practice and theory. Independent and collaborative learning will be encouraged through use of practical workshops, interactive lectures, resource-based learning, individual and group work, tutorials, discussion, critiques, performances, and rehearsals.
What You Will Study
The topics covered on the course may include:
- The Performing Arts Industry
- Professional Development
- Contemporary Dance technique
- Ballet
- Tap Dance
- Jazz Dance
- Commercial Dance
- Choreography
- Attendance Expectations
You will attend College three to four days per week plus evening performances and some weekends. You will also be expected to see local and national performances to enhance your performing arts knowledge and experience different kinds of performances.
- How You Will Be Assessed
The College assesses you through the coursework that you produce as you complete each unit, this may include performance pieces, choreographic development, written work, research, and a reflective journal which allows you to evaluate your learning and highlight your strengths and areas for further development.
Assessment is ongoing within sessions and will comprise of peer and self-assessment as well as tutor assessment.
- Entry Requirements
64 UCAS tariff points from A Levels or a Level 3 Extended Diploma in a related subject.
OR
An Access course.
GCSE Grade 4 or above in English Language (or equivalent qualification) is required.
Those with previous experience or learning that is relevant may be eligible via our RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) process for accreditation towards this course.
All applicants are required to audition, consisting of an interview and a dance class, alongside preparing a solo dance in a style of your choice between 1 and 1.5 minutes long..
- Fee Information
£7,400
- Further Study
Progression to HND Performing Arts (Dance), which can be studied at Wakefield College.
